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Large Catechism

Dr. Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and namesake of the Lutheran Tradition. He was born in Eisleben and was well-educated before entering the University of Erfurt. It was there that, rather than pursue an advanced law degree, Luther became an Augustinian monk. Between 1505 and 1512 he studied and lectured in theology, punctuated by achievement of his Doctorate at Wittenberg. By 1517 Luther was realizing in full the doctrine of justification by faith, as declared by the apostle Paul and Augustine. His publication of 95 theses against indulgences sparked protest throughout Germany, forcing Luther to defend his theology in disputations at Heidelberg and Leipzig. His treatises of 1520 brought him into greater conflict with the papacy, and he was excommunicated. After the Diet of Worms in 1521, he continued to define and uphold his theology, seeking to reform the Church, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the Pauline doctrine of justification.

One of two catechisms by Luther, designed as a handbook of evangelical Christian belief, and a cornerstone of the Lutheran tradition.

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.

Church History

Reformation