The Large Catechism was not written in question and answer form or for teaching children and other members of the household. It was written in “the direct expository form that is normally used in sermons or books”. It was written to teach clergy so that they could teach their congregations. It is divided into five parts, The Ten Commandment, the Apostle’s Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, and The Lord’s Supper. The Catechism, along with related documents, was published in the Book of Concord in 1580.

By 1529, the year of publication of Luther's Large Catechism, parishioners took the Gospel for granted. Many had forgotten at what great peril the freedom of their faith had been won. In the large Catechism Luther set out to inculcate the centrality of the gospel that was largely neglected and whose freedom was frequently abused.

This is an excellent primer for all Christians on the basic supplements to Christian thought and practice. Found within are commentaries to the ten commandments, the apostles' creed, and the sacrements of Baptism and Eucharist. I've read all sorts of adult catechism material but somehow missed this one. I'd love to see an updated version, i.e. Eugene Peterson reworks Luther's Large Catechism. ( )

Een heldere vertaling van Luthers Kleine en Grote Catechismus, met inleiding over de totstandkoming van deze geschriften. ( )

MARTIN LUTHER WRITES HIS TEACHINGS SPREADS THE NEWS ( )