An Explanation of Luther's Small Catechism

Joseph Stump's instructional handbook offers a careful, orderly guide to Luther's Small Catechism, designed for pastors, catechumens, and students who need both a teaching outline and a study aid. Moving through the Ten Commandments, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, and the Sacrament of the Altar, it combines Scripture references, review questions, and doctrinal explanation in a thetical style meant to unite Christian truth into a connected whole. The result is a practical manual for memorization, review, and deeper Lutheran understanding. The opening preface, voiced with Luther's urgency, rebukes negligent clergy and calls for faithful instruction of children and adults alike, tailored to their different callings in church and society. Each major section then unfolds the catechism's core teachings: the commandments expose sin and direct believers toward reverence, honesty, charity, and repentance; the Creed confesses the Trinity and God's work in creation, redemption, and sanctification; and the Lord's Prayer teaches trustful, petitionary prayer. Baptism is presented as God's saving promise joined to water, and the Sacrament of the Altar as a gift to be sought gladly, not ignored. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.