Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms: Historical Background

It is safe to say that most Lutherans know what the catechism is. It has been used for centuries for training children in the elements of the Christian faith.

Why did Luther develop the Small Catechism and the Large Catechism in 1529? What is the purpose of the Catechism?

The Catechisms themselves testify to their purpose. The Small Catechism states: "How the head of the family should teach his household in a simple way." This phrase is repeated for each of the six parts of the Small Catechism, further reinforcing the mission of the Small Catechism. The Large Catechism states further that it is "especially to all pastors and preachers." This, then, was to be the basis for teaching the truths of Scripture in six distinct parts.

The six parts are the six great Christian doctrines that Luther felt a Christian must know. In his Large Catechism he mandates that a Christian must know these parts before one could be admitted to any Sacrament. In his "Short Preface" to the Large Catechism Luther indicated that the heads of households should go through the catechism weekly with their families. (Note: when Luther uses the term "Sacrament," in the catechism it usually refers to the Lord's Supper.)

The six doctrines are: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, the Sacrament (Lord's Prayer), and (only in the Small Catechism the ministry of keys and confession. The Small Catechism also contains a "Table of Duties" wherein Dr. Luther documents the duties for our stations in life. Luther also includes prayers of thanksgiving to God.

Luther saw a need for these catechisms. Much of the populace was illiterate, including the clergy! Obviously, the people needed to be educated and Luther saw that education be given to the young as well. (Lutherans have tended to carry on this tradition as many congregations run grade schools; groups of congregations run high schools; and synods or groups of congregations run colleges. So successful were Lutherans in education that the Jesuits in their counter-reformation made education a priority.) In simple words Luther expressed the basic truths of the Christian faith and a basic manner. Some have considered this the closest piece of literature inspired by God not found in Scripture because of its simplicity. Anyone who has read Luther knows Luther tended to be very wordy and very scholarly in many of his writings. Not that that should surprise us; Luther was a college professor with a doctorate, after all. Luther also often debated other theologians of renown. It would be difficult to debate in a scholarly setting, or teach in a college classroom, while using simple words and phrases. In the catechism Luther is reaching an audience much different than the audiences staring him in debate or in the college classroom. Luther wanted the catechism to teach children.

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