Large Catechism

One of two catechisms written by Luther and published in 1529, the fruit of more than ten years of work and exposition – especially his writings on the Ten Commandments and the Lord's prayer.

By 1524, in the wake of the reformation movement and its budding evangelical schools, Luther saw the need for ministers and congregations to have handbooks defining the essentials of Christianity. Originally written in German, these catechisms were soon translated into Latin for wider use. The initial outline of the catechism is as follows:

1. The Ten Commandments
2. The Creed
3. The Lord's Prayer
4. Baptism
5. Sacrament of the Altar (Lord's Supper)

A section on Confession was later added to the Small Catechism . Luther's catechism proved immensely popular, and remains a staple of the Lutheran Tradition.

NOTE: This title is included in the Version 5 and OneTouch Libraries.