The Large Catechism: Of Martin Luther

First published in 1529, Martin Luther’s Large Catechism was written based on a series of sermons which Luther presented on the basic teachings of the Christian faith. In this work, the reformer expands upon the same five topics that he does in his Small Catechism: The Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. The instructions given are purposefully aimed at laity, and generally avoid technical theological debate and jargon. Instead, Luther’s aim is for the instruction and edification of the average Christian. The Large Catechism is one of the confessional documents of the Lutheran church, and it continues to be heavily used today.