Martin Luther's Large Catechism

Martin Luther's Catechism opens as a passionate call to Christians, and especially pastors, to remain lifelong students of God's Word. Rejecting laziness, pride, and spiritual complacency, Luther presents the Catechism as daily nourishment: a summary of the whole Christian faith, a shield against temptation, and a source of comfort, light, and strength. He insists that even the learned must keep returning to its teachings, for mastery of the Ten Commandments unlocks a deeper understanding of Scripture and of life itself. From there, the text lays out the essentials every Christian should know: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Designed for children, households, and beginners, it calls for memorization and regular explanation so faith is both learned and lived. The Catechism then begins its detailed instruction with the First Commandment, exposing idolatry in obvious and subtle forms—whether trust is placed in money, power, saints, works, or self-righteous ritual—and teaching that true worship is humble reliance on God alone. It closes with practical moral instruction on the Eighth Commandment, condemning false witness, slander, and gossip while urging fair judgment, private correction, and loving speech that protects a neighbor's honor. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.