The Origin of the Small and Large Catechisms

In Luther’s day, there were any number of catechisms and catechetical materials. They were often extremely extensive and required the young people to memorize not only the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Creed, but also a list of seven spiritual gifts, seven cardinal virtues, the seven Sacraments, seven words of mercy, the eight beatitudes of God, and on and on and on. Luther cleared away the medieval clutter with his Small and Large Catechisms.

Read more...

Previous Article
Understanding the Differences among Commissioned Ministry Roles
Understanding the Differences among Commissioned Ministry Roles

Commissioned ministers serve in a variety of roles with their own particular emphases. Understan...

Next Article
Doctrine of Justification: Its Use and Definition according to Gerhard
Doctrine of Justification: Its Use and Definition according to Gerhard

This post is adapted from the latest edition in Gerhard’s Theological Commonplaces series, On Ju...

Browse Books for Pastors

Learn More