Martin Luther, Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1991). $7.99.

Reviewed by Shane Lems

This handsome edition of Martin Luther’s 1529 Small Catechism is a helpful booklet for Reformed Christians to own. The book is bound quite firmly; it is strong, sturdy, and relatively inexpensive. The layout is superb, with bold, colored, and italicized text, as well as other editorial devices which make the book easy to read and reference. There is even an extensive appendix which includes confessional Lutheran helps, such as Luther’s original preface to his small catechism, a glossary, church year calendar, and other such informative Lutheran aides.

To be sure, Luther’s catechism is “small;” it only takes up the first 44 pages of the book. Luther’s language in the catechism is simple and aimed at kids and families. The bulk of this book is an explanation of the catechism, with notable Lutheran theologians’ works combined to explain confessional Lutheran orthodoxy. Though there are obvious differences between confessional Lutheranism and Reformed orthodoxy (such as covenant theology, the ascension, Jesus’ divine/human nature, the Lord’s Supper, etc.), we have enough in common to benefit from such a book. For example, the active and passive obedience of Christ, the law/gospel distinction, the 3rd use of the law, Christ as prophet/priest/king, and so on can be found clearly in this book.

Proof-texts are written out for memorization purposes; Bible narratives are also cited to show where certain doctrines/teachings come from. There is also both a scriptural and topical index in the back of the book. I suppose my criticism of this book would be very similar to the differences between Reformed and Lutheran theology. My criticism of Lutheran theology might be severe at times, yet I still have profited from Luther’s Small Catechism as well as the explanation of it. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it with a few theological reservations.

This book is one way to learn more about Reformation theology and practice and it might even make us appreciate our confessional Lutheran brothers and sisters more. To close with a half-serious remark, the Lutherans certainly win the award for a good looking catechism! If only some Reformed publisher would do this with the Heidelberg Catechism, or even one of Ursinus’ catechisms.