Additional topics to consider

The preceding provide only two of many possible studies to help people rediscover the practical resources of The Book of Concord. Here are several other ideas to consider for using the Lutheran Confessions in the congregation. The page numbers from the Tappert edition are in parentheses.

Learning to Pray. By using Luther’s stirring introduction to prayer in the Large Catechism (pp. 420-25), participants can rediscover how God commands us to pray, promises to hear us, and gives us the words to say that express our deepest needs.

Speaking of Salvation in the Lutheran Church. Many Christians have a lot to say about being saved. Articles I-VI and XX of the Augsburg Confession (pp. 27-32 and 41-46) contain a succinct confession of faith for Lutherans. The fourth article of the Apology (pp. 107-68) gives a detailed look at many of the important biblical texts and sixteenth-century debates on how God brings comfort to the terrified conscience.

A Household Guide to Lutheran "Spirituality." In a time when all kinds of people seek a spiritual "deepening," the Small Catechism becomes an important potential resource. It’s often used only for junior high school students. Yet, Martin Luther intended its use by adults. How do Luther’s simple explanations to the basic texts of Christianity strengthen your relationship to God?

Basic Christianity. Many portions of The Book of Concord deal with this topic. However, one of its neglected documents is Luther’s Smalcald Articles, written as his last testament of faith in 1536. Especially the first article of Part II (p. 292) and all of Part III (pp. 302-16) provide a synopsis of Luther’s perspective on the Christian faith.

Christian Parenting. Using the explanations of the fourth commandment in the Large Catechism (pp. 379-89) and the Small (pp. 340, 343, 356), several important issues of daily life can be explored.

For Further Reading

The following are a few of the many resources available on teaching the Lutheran Confessions to adults, many from Augsburg Fortress Publishers (AFP).

Connections: Faith and Life (AFP: 6-0000-7405-). A study on being a Christian in the world based upon the Large Catechism.

Free to Be: Revised Edition by Gerhard O. Forde and James Nestingen (AFP: 0-8066-1139-1). A contemporary commentary on Luther’s Small Catechism, designed for children but appropriate for adults.

Fortress Introduction to Lutheranism by Eric Gritsch (AFP: 0-8066-2780-6)

Living Roots: A Study of the Augsburg Confession by Mary B. Havens (AFP:0-8066-0952-4/-0953-2)

Lutheran Basics for Teachers (AFP: 0-8066-3718-8)

Roots of Our Faith: A Six-Session Course on Lutheran Teaching by James A. Nestingen (AFP: 0-8066-1195-2).

A Study of Luther’s Small Catechism for Adults by Todd Nichol (AFP: 0-8066-0971-0/-0972-9).

Basics in Lutheran Doctrine by Timothy J. Wengert (AFP: 0-8066-0942-7/-0943-5). Written for adolescents, this work has been used for adults by some.

Timothy J. Wengert, trans. A Contemporary Translation of Luther’s Small Catechism: Study Edition (AFP: 0-8066-0026-8). Includes the translator’s introduction to this "handbook for the Christian household."

Timothy J. Wengert, "Luther’s Catechisms and the Lord’s Supper," Word and World, 17 (1997): 54-60. Forms the basis of the first study outlined above.

Are you interested in seeing us develop other guides on the topics above or some other topics? E-mail your ideas and suggestions for guide topics to Mark A. Staples, Coordinator of Publications at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia -- mstaples@ltsp.edu. Or call him with your suggestions at 215/248-6311.

Back to Lutheran Confessions: Guide for the New Millenium introduction page
Read Study One: Bringing Good News to Inactive Christians
Read Study Two: Conversations About Congregational Conflict

Posted 5/5/99 by Kyle Barger