Martin Luther's Catechisms: Forming the Faith

by Timothy J. Wengert

Martin Luther's catechisms 3 the Small Catechism in 1528-29, and the Large Catechism in spring 1529 responded in part to "the deplorable, wretched deprivation that I recently encountered while I was a visitor" to rural Saxon congregations. The former was for laity, the latter an elaboration largely for the education of clergy, with Luther excoriating "their pure laziness and concern for their bellies." Reformation scholar Timothy Wengert has studied Luther's catechisms for the light they shed on the maturing Reformation faith but also for the fascinating lens they afford into the social world of Wittenberg in those children, clergy, education and publishing, marriage customs, devotion and prayer, and celebration of the Lord's Supper in this period, along with Luther's own hearty faith, are all illumined by these Western classics. In this volume, Wengert follows the traditional catechism order to demonstrate the dynamic faith exhibited in the catechisms in their original context and ours. An ideal resource for college and seminary classes, as well as individual and group reading, this volume will be a valued vehicle for understanding Reformation faith for many years to come.

176 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

About the author

Timothy J. Wengert (PhD, Duke University) is Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor, Reformation History, at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has pastored churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin, authored or edited twenty books, and written over one hundred articles.

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I believe that I cannot beleive" This book is a good hermeneutic of Luther's catechisms as seen through his theology of salvation through faith. Some parts I found difficult. I think the author should have appended the Catechism because he makes constant reference to it and it would have made the book easier to read. While it is certainly not an introduction to Luther's theology; it is a very satisfying example of how Luther applied his theology to teach the fundamentals of the faith.

[Wilhelm Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read and helpful analysis. Tolle lege!