Luther's Large Catechism

I am teaching 4th grade Sunday School and it is vital to understand the catechism. This material is very readable and very detailed, perfect for a teacher.

This is not light reading. If you want the ten commandments spelled out as to how every little thing that can possibly fall under it than this is your book. A must for every Lutheran home or those who are interested in the teachings of Martin Luther.

I thought it was pretty good. Easy to understand for the most part. I thought it was definitely worth my time to read it. And it increased my desire to serve God.

Luther's large catechism is an invaluable primary text for protestant studies. This book outlines the points of Christianity that Luther deems fundamental, and in Luther's own words you read how the father of the reformation viewed the Christian life. It is a short read, and well worth the time for the insight into the times and thought that birthed Lutheranism and the reformation.

This is one of those books of which all too many Lutherans have heard but that far too few have read. I myself must admit that although I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, I had not read the Large Catechism until just recently. Upon finishing it, I asked myself why I had not done so years ago, as it would have saved me much trouble.The Large Catechism is Martin Luther's summary of his own teachings. He wrote the catechism for one simple reason - to remind the infant Lutheran Church of the things for which they stood and to advise them as to how they should live and worship. His explanations are clear and straight-forward. He is remarkably blunt at times, not being a man fond of euphemism, in his admonition for a godly life against a worldly one. Yet at no time does he profess the necessity of leaving the world to follow God. It is his contention that one only need live by God's commandments and everything will work out in the end. It is this down to earth, common sense theology that made Luther, and from him the Protestant Reformation, so successful. Reading Luther, it is easy to see how people were drawn to his ideas. After centuries of clerical obscurantism, endless canonical laws and regulations, papal pronouncements, and a host of other arcana, a theology that can be summed up as "Love God, follow his commandments in your actions as well as in your hearts, observe the sacraments of baptism and communion, and seek comfort in the Word of God" must have been a breath of fresh air to the beleaguered people of Germany. Luther's commentary upon the commandments is both helpful and enlightening. He admonishes those who would think they have heard or thought all they need to think again. Often, he will surprise you with an observation so clear and true that you will wonder why you never thought of it yourself. It is from this experience that you then realize that his admonition against thinking you know it all proves itself.While the book is recommended to all Christians, indeed, to anyone for that matter, it is especially recommended to Lutherans. For too long we have forgotten the roots of our faith. We need to refresh our memories as to who we are and what we believe, and most importantly why we believe it. Read not only the Large Catechism, but the Augsburg Confessions, the 95 Theses, the Table Talk... for that matter, get a copy of the Book of Concord (of which a new edition has just been published) and read it through. You may discover that you are part of a denomination you have never really known. Take my word for it, you will reap the benefits of your labors.