Luther's Catechism
Luther's Catechism
Growing In The Word
Growing In Grace
Northwestern Publishing House, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary education department, is pleased to introduce a new edition of Luther’s Catechism. This hardcover edition includes features designed to engage and equip future generations. The question-and- answer approach develops the students’ ability to discover truths directly from the Bible. Additionally, the lessons taught in each unit tie directly to biblical history to encourage a greater understanding of the accounts found in the Bible and their connection to God’s plan of salvation.
Luther's conviction that the catechism should be a tool for lifelong learning has influenced the design and development of this book.
Several features will amplify the usefulness of this new exposition in the classroom.
A full-color layout and engaging diagrams will aid visual learners. A fresh readability will engage verbal learners. While this new edition of Luther’s Catechism is a textbook, it will equally feel like a student’s resource for everyday living.
- ESV, NIV, or EHV - Three versions are available. Bible references are from the ESV, NIV (2011), and EHV.
- Designed with good teaching methodology in mind - When students could draw the answer to the question from the supplied Scripture references, the answer isn't given. This feature helps the students develop the skill of finding answers in the Scriptures. When the questions or references are more complex, answers or explanatory notes are provided.
- Content summary diagrams - The full-color graphics will enhance understanding, especially for visual learners.
- Smaller size and full-color interior - The book will look less like a textbook and more like an important book for everyday living.
- Bible history connection - The truth taught in each unit is tied to a section of Bible history. This will help students grow in their knowledge of Bible history and help them see the connection of doctrinal truth to God's plan of salvation.
- Strengthened understanding and appreciation of our heritage - Each unit includes a quote from Luther or the Confessions. Truths that are distinctive to the Lutheran church are emphasized.
- Readability - Each unit opens with an introduction. Transitional statements and explanations help a reader grasp the logic of the doctrinal presentation. This enhances the usefulness of the catechism as a review and resource well after confirmation class.
- Devotional Use - Each unit concludes with a connections section that helps the student understand the application of the doctrinal content of that unit. The connections section also ties together the Bible history as well as the quote from Luther or the Confessions with the truth taught in the unit. This section could well be used by families for devotions.
Click here to compare features of the catechism and its supplementary resources, and discover which tools are right for your classroom!
This catechism edition will help prepare confirmands for lifelong church membership and is ideal for gift-giving.
Growing in the Word - New catechism students begin with different levels of understanding regarding all that is recorded in God’s Word. Use the Growing in the Word curriculum to help your students build a foundational knowledge of Bible history while weaving important elements of catechism doctrine into the accounts you study. This curriculum is compatible with any Bible translation. Click here to see how you might incorporate this in your teaching schedule.
Growing in Grace - Use the powerful narratives from God’s Word to teach catechism doctrine with the Growing in Grace curriculum. By studying Luther’s catechism though Bible history, your students will connect Lutheran doctrine to God’s promises and develop a faithful understanding of his saving plan. This curriculum is compatible with any Bible translation. Click here to see how you might incorporate this in your teaching schedule.
Catechism Connections - Expressions of My Faith - Offering space for students to record Bible passages and other notes about what they are learning, this indispensable workbook will be useful now and beneficial for their future.
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Catechism Diagrams - Download the entire collection of color diagrams from the new edition of Luther’s Catechism for use in confirmation classes, Bible studies, and more! Both complete and fill-in versions are provided as PNG files and standard and widescreen PowerPoint slides. Downloadable only.
Click here to view some FAQs about the new Growing in the Word and Growing in Grace catechism curricula.
Special Offer!
To fill out your Catechism curriculum, purchase one copy of any translation of Luther’s Catechism together with one copy of Catechism Connections: Expressions of My Faith (7701516) and receive Catechism Diagrams (7701515E) FREE!
To redeem this offer, add all three items to your cart and use promo code "freediagrams" at checkout.
Ten Fascinating Facts about Luther's Catechism
Many of us have handled a copy of Luther's Small Catechism before, but do you know how and why this crucial tool for Christian education came to be?
- The word catechism is derived from the ancient Greek word katekheo which means “to teach by word of mouth.” One of the root words, ekheo, means “to sound or resound,” and this is also where English derives the word echo.
- In 1520, nine years before the catechism was published, Luther published a work called The Confessional Mirror of the Common People. It studied the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles' Creed—the first three topics of his catechism.
- Altogether, Luther preached on the chief parts of the catechism for 12 years before the book itself was created.
- Luther had recognized the need for a comprehensive book for religious instruction, but he did not personally take on the work at first. He commissioned others to compile the work before ultimately tackling it himself.
- Luther was finally compelled to write his catechism after seeing the poor spiritual conditions of the congregations in Saxony, Germany.
- Because of its directness and clarity, Luther's Small Catechism was sometimes called the "children's Bible."
- In addition to being printed as a book, parts of the Small Catechism were printed on posters or charts for use in the home.
- The fifth main section of the catechism—the section detailing the Ministry of the Keys and Confession—was not included in the original catechism. It was added later and encourages both pastors and parishioners to share God’s Word with others.
- It is believed that the first English catechism printed in America was produced in 1749 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Though it is often used in a classroom setting today, the catechism was originally meant for household use. You may notice that chief parts of the catechism begin with the phrase “As the head of the family should teach . . .”, referring to this intended purpose.
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