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The Large Catechism of Martin Luther

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This is one of those books of which all too many Lutherans have heard but that far too few have read. I myself must admit that although I was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church, I had not read the Large Catechism until just recently. Upon finishing it, I asked myself why I had not done so years ago, as it would have saved me much trouble.

The Large Catechism is Martin Luther's summary of his own teachings. He wrote the catechism for one simple reason - to remind the infant Lutheran Church of the things for which they stood and to advise them as to how they should live and worship. His explanations are clear and straight-forward. He is remarkably blunt at times, not being a man fond of euphemism, in his admonition for a godly life against a worldly one. Yet at no time does he profess the necessity of leaving the world to follow God. It is his contention that one only need live by God's commandments and everything will work out in the end. It is this down to earth, common sense theology that made Luther, and from him the Protestant Reformation, so successful.

Reading Luther, it is easy to see how people were drawn to his ideas. After centuries of clerical obscurantism, endless canonical laws and regulations, papal pronouncements, and a host of other arcana, a theology that can be summed up as "Love God, follow his commandments in your actions as well as in your hearts, observe the sacraments of baptism and communion, and seek comfort in the Word of God" must have been a breath of fresh air to the beleaguered people of Germany.

Luther's commentary upon the commandments is both helpful and enlightening. He admonishes those who would think they have heard or thought all they need to think again. Often, he will surprise you with an observation so clear and true that you will wonder why you never thought of it yourself. It is from this experience that you then realize that his admonition against thinking you know it all proves itself.

While the book is recommended to all Christians, indeed, to anyone for that matter, it is especially recommended to Lutherans. For too long we have forgotten the roots of our faith. We need to refresh our memories as to who we are and what we believe, and most importantly why we believe it. Read not only the Large Catechism, but the Augsburg Confessions, the 95 Theses, the Table Talk... for that matter, get a copy of the Book of Concord (of which a new edition has just been published) and read it through. You may discover that you are part of a denomination you have never really known. Take my word for it, you will reap the benefits of your labors.

Luther's large catechism is an invaluable primary text for protestant studies. This book outlines the points of Christianity that Luther deems fundamental, and in Luther's own words you read how the father of the reformation viewed the Christian life. It is a short read, and well worth the time for the insight into the times and thought that birthed Lutheranism and the reformation.

This book is easy to read and understand. It is concise and practical for anyone seeking insight into Luther's teaching of God's Word. I highly recommend this book to those who are new to their faith in God or want to expand from the shorter catechism.

Everyone must read this extraordinary piece of historical literature. I enjoyed this most compelling source to the inner thinkings of Luther.

this is one of the best spirtal books I have seen.

I am a Roman Catholic who is looking for precisely what Martin Luther's doctrines are. Upon asking an Evangelical Lutheran for a resource to study such doctrines, I was told to consult this book. After reading it cover to cover, clearly this book is intended for the instruction of children (as indicated by Martin Luther in these pages). If you are looking for the complete doctrines of Martin Luther, look elsewhere. For the record, I wish to familiarize myself with Luther's religion in order to convince others that the Protestant revolt resulted in many man-made religions that are diametrically opposed to the one true divinely instituted Church of our lord Jesus Christ.