Martin Luther's Large Catechism

Martin Luther's Large Catechism is Luther's summary of his own teachings. He wrote the catechism 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. The down-to-earth, common sense theology that made Luther, and the ultimately the Protestant Reformation, so successful is on display in this book. 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. His observations are clear, true, and sometimes surprising. This book is recommended not only to Lutherans, but to all Christians. It is a great reminder of the roots of our faith, a refresher of who we are and what we believe, and most importantly why we believe it. A truly rewarding read.