Fortress Press

The Small Catechism, 1529: The Annotated Luther Study Edition

The Small Catechism, 1529

The Annotated Luther Study Edition

Timothy J. Wengert (Author), Mary Jane Haemig (Editor)

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Timothy J. Wengert provides detailed background into the development of Luther’s popular Small Catechism, which began with Luther’s early sermon series on the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles’ Creed. Luther wrote his catechism because many requested he do so but also as a response to his 1528 visitation of parishes in Saxony and Meissen, where he discovered an abysmal level of Christian instruction.

Luther’s Small Catechism explains the basics of Christian faith in a way resonant with his understanding of justification by faith, which also implied, for Luther, the proper distinction between law and gospel. This is applied to his explanations of the parts of the Catechism. This translation also includes Luther’s own preface to the 1531 edition, the sacrament of baptism, Sacrament of the Altar, instructions to the head of the household, household chart of Bible passages, marriage booklet for pastors, and baptismal booklet.

This volume is excerpted from The Annotated Luther series, volume 4 (Pastoral Writings). Each volume and selection in the series contains new introductions, extensive annotations, illustrations, and notes to help shed light on Luther’s context and to interpret his writings for today. 

  • Publisher Fortress Press
  • Format Paperback
  • ISBN 9781506432472
  • eBook ISBN 9781506432489
  • Brand Annotated Luther
  • Dimensions 7.5 x 9.25
  • Pages 68
  • Publication Date July 15, 2017

Endorsements

Readers will be drawn deeply into Luther's world through this edition

“Well-chosen illustrations and perceptive annotations enrich the text of Luther's classic text that has shaped the faith of children and adults around the world for almost five centuries. Readers will be drawn deeply into Luther's world through this edition and be able to get the feel of what sixteenth-century readers, hearers, and memorizers experienced when they first encountered the Word of God in Luther's explanations.” 

Robert Kolb | Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis.

With its illuminating images and annotations, the text-gem does what catechisms are designed to do: educate, orient, and inspire.

“The Small Catechism is Luther’s timeless contribution to the spiritual seekers. Timothy Wengert offers a new crisp translation and a contextualizing introduction to the portable and concise guide for a Christian life rooted in scriptural wisdom. With its illuminating images and annotations, the text-gem does what catechisms are designed to do: educate, orient, and inspire.” 

Kirsi Stjerna | Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
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