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That I May Be His Own
This volume acquaints readers with the historical setting in which Luther composed his catechisms. This carefully crafted survey of the context of medieval instruction and piety brings to life the habits of mind that Luther inherited as a member of the church and a student of theology, as well as the concerns for the spiritual welfare of his people which moved him to prepare a course of instruction for them. The book presents a solid introduction to the history, theology, and significance of Luther's catechisms. Arand explores critical issues on the church's catechetical tradition, the purpose and setting of Luther's Small and Large Catechism, the heart of the Catechism's content, and the ways the Catechism shapes God's people in faith and life.
- GenresTheology
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2000
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March 30, 2023
Dr. Arand’s book is a historical and theological page turner on Luther’s Small Catechism (and other catechisms). Intended to be used at the university and seminary level, the book also suits the layperson intrigued in learning more about the Small Catechism and, I would argue, a necessary resource to sit in the pastor’s personal arsenal of Lutheran repertoire.
Arand’s thesis explores the question, “What makes a catechism?” He aims to argue that a catechism is not so much its form or structure—though there is plenty of discussion on this in the ensuing chapters—but more of its material covered, in this case the chief parts of the catechism we have today. Because of the subject material, “the catechism is not something we grow out of but something we grow into” (p. 23).
Today, it’s safe to say that most view the Small Catechism as a textbook the pastor brings our children through, as well as adult converts, in order to get to Confirmation and “graduate.” This is erroneous. Nobody “graduates” from the catechism, for it assumes one graduates from the faith. Arand fleshes out Luther’s view that the catechism is from the womb to the tomb, or as Arand puts it, “from the Baptismal font (from which he or she received new birth) to the grave (from which he or she will rise to new life)” (p. 115).
Arand expertly lays out the theme of the catechism that pulls together all the chief parts to concentrate on the singular focus of the Scriptures: that we may be His own. It’s so simple that even children can understand it. Therefore, whether young or old, Luther’s Small Catechism does for the learner what Christ says to His disciples, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Arand’s thesis explores the question, “What makes a catechism?” He aims to argue that a catechism is not so much its form or structure—though there is plenty of discussion on this in the ensuing chapters—but more of its material covered, in this case the chief parts of the catechism we have today. Because of the subject material, “the catechism is not something we grow out of but something we grow into” (p. 23).
Today, it’s safe to say that most view the Small Catechism as a textbook the pastor brings our children through, as well as adult converts, in order to get to Confirmation and “graduate.” This is erroneous. Nobody “graduates” from the catechism, for it assumes one graduates from the faith. Arand fleshes out Luther’s view that the catechism is from the womb to the tomb, or as Arand puts it, “from the Baptismal font (from which he or she received new birth) to the grave (from which he or she will rise to new life)” (p. 115).
Arand expertly lays out the theme of the catechism that pulls together all the chief parts to concentrate on the singular focus of the Scriptures: that we may be His own. It’s so simple that even children can understand it. Therefore, whether young or old, Luther’s Small Catechism does for the learner what Christ says to His disciples, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Displaying 1 of 1 review