School has started. As is always the case, it seems like it has come too soon. Yet, here it is. For me that means that Confirmation classes are beginning (or have begun depending on when this gets to you). In confirmation class the age-old Lutheran text book has been the Small Catechism of Martin Luther. The book that I’m sure most all of you are familiar with is the Small Catechism With Explanation. That ‘explanation’ part, which includes all of those 306 or so questions, is 90% of the book. If you are an ardent consumer of synod materials you may have heard that Concordia Publishing House has come out with a new Small Catechism With Explanation. Of course, the ‘Small Catechism’ part has not changed but the ‘explanation’ part has been completely revamped. I have not yet read through it entirely but from what I have seen it does a good job of framing the faith in contemporary terms. Older editions of the catechism preserved a lot of arguments that were helpful for Lutherans 200-500 years ago but are not as significant today. On the flip side, aspects of the faith that speak to issues such as human sexuality, for instance, have become much more important of late.
Last year I taught out of the ‘old’ Small Catechism. This year, rather than transition right to the new one I thought that I would take this opportunity to do something a little different. I plan on using Luther’s Large Catechism in confirmation class this year. Ironically, the “Large” Catechism is actually smaller than the ‘Small’ Catechism With Explanation (because the ‘explanation’ part is just so big). The content of both is topically the same. In the Small Catechism Luther simply includes the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments, Apostles Creed all with a paragraph or two of explanation after each part. Additionally, there are some questions about Baptism, Confession, the Lord’s Supper and then some Scripture passages on how a Christian should live. If you have a hymnal handy you can find the whole Small Catechism on pages LSB 321-330 (AGPS 35-47).
The Large Catechism covers the same territory but is a little longer. Instead of Luther providing a paragraph or two of explanation he gives you a page or two (or more). Effectively, the Large Catechism is basically the Small Catechism with Luther’s explanation. (The ‘explanation’ that comes with the Small Catechism was developed by various LCMS theologians over the years, not Luther himself.) Yes, the Large Catechism is dated. Luther often rails against the Papacy in ways that are not quite as relevant today (Francis is not going to burn anybody at the stake in St. Peter’s Square tomorrow for instance). But much of what Luther teaches about living the Christian life is still pertinent for us today. Moreover, you get to hear this teaching with Luther’s hyperbole which is entertaining in itself.
Of pastors, Luther says in his preface to the Large Catechism, “shall we easily despise [God word], we especially, who claim to be pastors and teachers? If so, not only should we have nothing given us to eat, but we should also be driven out, baited with dogs, and pelted with dung.” Lovely. Perhaps I should not have shared that one with you. In the next paragraph Luther says, “we should feel bound well enough by God’s command alone. He solemnly commands in Deuteronomy 6:6-8 that we should always meditate on His precepts.” Then a little later says, “What else are such proud and arrogant saints doing who are not willing to read and study the catechism daily? They think they are much more learned than God himself.”
It is clear that Luther believes one should regularly read and study God’s word. In fact, the catechism was designed to be a simple summary of what God’s word teaches. Reading and knowing the catechism is a much easier and digestible task than reading the whole Bible (though a Christian should endeavor to do that too). Of course, I agree with Luther on this point and in doing so agree with God’s word as well. You should regularly familiarize yourself with what God’s word teaches. The catechism is a simple tool that can help you do this. I will help you in this endeavor by preaching on God’s word every week. Also, if you would like a Small Catechism (without explanation) we actually have a bunch (and can easily get more of these little pamphlets) let me know and I can get you one. The Christian life, this side of heaven, is one of continual trial and temptation. It requires continual study of God’s word, not only to know what we are doing wrong but also to learn well what God has done for us through His Son Jesus. You can never hear that enough.