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Written by Martin Luther in 1529, the Small Catechism provides a brief, clear summary of God’s Word on the essentials of the Christian faith. In question-and-answer format, it explores the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine and includes daily prayers, a table of duties for Christians in their various callings, and a guide for Christians as they prepare to receive Holy Communion. The Small Catechism itself is a timeless confession of the Faith, applicable to Christian instruction in every age.

An explanation designed to help readers understand and apply Luther’s Small Catechism has accompanied editions of the catechism since the early days of Lutheranism. However, in the time since Luther wrote his explanation to the catechism, society, and culture have changed dramatically. The 2017 Explanation presents a lens to faithfully understand God’s Word in the midst of changing times—providing a practical guide for living the daily Christian life. With 300+ questions and 1,000+ Scripture references, the new Explanation provides more biblical teaching and devotional aids than ever before. The Bible text included in the Explanation is from the English Standard Version (ESV). Hardcover format. 

Other Updates

  • The Central Thought section guides you through simple Bible study and reflection questions

  • Connections and Applications relates Scripture to important issues in today’s culture

  • Psalms, hymns, and prayers combine Scripture and catechism study with worship for devotional use

  • Bible narrative references, quotes from Martin Luther, the Lutheran Confessions, and expanded notes expose readers to the fullness of the Lutheran tradition

  • Expanded appendix provides helpful articles, reference material, and glossary to aid in personal study 

Download Reading Plans for the 2017 Edition »

Endorsements

"Bringing forth the best of previous explanations of Luther's Small Catechism, the 2017 revision adds much that will enhance the use of the catechism in the home, congregation, and school. In addition to the careful exposition of Christian doctrine in the six chief parts, material is included on the daily prayers and table of duties. These appendices added by Luther were overlooked in previous editions. The inclusion of prayers, hymns, and psalms under each section will offer yet another opportunity to use the catechism devotionally. Short interpretative essays on the liturgy and "How to Read the Bible" will help connect the Catechism even more closely with the Christian's life in the Word. This new revision of the explanation of Luther's Small Catechism is fitting in this Reformation jubilee year as we carry the Reformer's legacy forward to the next generation."

—John T. Pless
Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions
Concordia Theological Seminary
Fort Wayne, Indiana, and author of Praying Luther's Small Catechism
 

"The new catechism explanation is down-to-earth, thorough, and cares for the souls of its students. In a fresh and helpful way, the explanation beautifully teaches the riches of our Lord's Word and applies this teaching in a clear, insightful, honest, and pastoral way. For example, the explanation covers abortion under the Fifth Commandment with strong scriptural support for our unborn brothers and sisters, wise counsel for those considering abortion, and faithful guidance for those who have guilt over abortion. Throughout, the explanation gives our Lord's law undiluted, the Gospel in its full sweetness, and guidance for the life our Lord has called us to live."

—Pastor David C. Fleming
Our Savior Lutheran Church

  1. Amazing

    Price

    100%

    Value

    100%

    Quality

    100%

    Quinn

    9/30/23

    Highly recommended for those both looking in to Lutheranism and those who've been Lutheran who want to stay close to the essentials of the faith.

  2. Tedious.

    Price

    40%

    Value

    40%

    Quality

    40%

    Allen Bergstrazer

    3/16/23

    For 20+ years I've told my confirmation students that the Small Catechism is not a textbook that you set aside once your course of instruction is over. But that is what we have in the 2017 edition, a confessional document re-imagined by Ed majors. Now some 5 years after its release I am still unconvinced that the 1991 edition was so deficient it warranted a whopping 135 extra pages of explication on the already extensive explanations.

  3. Bible Translation

    Quality

    60%

    Rev. Dallas D. Dubke

    10/25/21

    Prefer the Wisconsin Synod translation to the ESV (A better reading of the original)

  4. Can't recommend highly enough

    Quality

    100%

    George Rigney

    12/18/20

    I spent almost 50 years as a Roman Catholic and attended Catholic schools K-12, and I never had any instruction in the Christian faith that came close to this book. I felt like I was not just learning about Lutheranism, but rather learning about Christianity for the first time. My copy is full of highlights and tabs and I refer to it very often.

  5. Excellent for personal and family devotions

  6. Quality

  7. 100%

  8. David Mees

  9. 1/13/18

  10. The updated explanation is great! We have started using it for our daily family devotions. The six chief parts of the faith are clearly explained with scripture references. Thank you for all the effort that went into the updated version. It is truly a blessing!

  11. An Excellent Teaching Tool for the Church

  12. Quality

  13. 100%

  14. Alexander Lange

  15. 12/19/17

  16. There is a lot to love about the 2017 Catechism and Explanation. First, the pictures, colors, and fonts are very attractive to the eye. Second, the new lay out (central thought, closer reading, etc) is great for devotions AND will be a great Lesson Plan for Confirmation. Third, many biblical topics have received greater emphasis (e.g. Creator vs creature, kingdom of God, resurrection and new creation) have received greater attention and new contemporary issues are addressed. Finally, the appendix offers great resources to supplement Confirmation Lessons. Personally, I believe that this catechism takes the best of the old explanations and improves upon it. I pray that God uses this catechism to expand the Kingdom, to enrich the faith of the baptized, and to give our church body the courage to dare to be Lutheran.

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