Here We Still Stand-Dr. John T. Pless

From Heidelberg Back To Wittenberg
  • Two different texts but a single goal: Faith in Christ alone
  • The Small Catechism is Luther’s own exercise in the theology of the cross
  • Polemical and pastoral
Keeping Christians in the Word of the Cross
  • Remain in simplicity and in old doctrine you have received.
Luther’s Path to the Catechism
  • The German service needs a plain and simple, fair square catechism. Catechism means the instruction in which the heathen who want to be Christians are taught and guided in what they should believe, know and do and leave undone.  
  • 3 Parts-10 Commandments, Creed, Lord’s Prayer
Events Leading to the Catechsim
  • Controversy on the place of the law in Christian life
  • The Law remains until it finds its end in Christ
For Luther’s Preface to the Small Catechism
  • Set out to address the deplorable situation that he discovered as visiting people
Sources Flowing into the Catechism
  • Luther’s catechetical sermons (as early as 1516, by 1522 is regular practice in Wittenberg four times a year, shape large catechism)
  • Tracts to replace Roman penitential literature (documents to replace medieval church manuals for pastors and people)
  • Devotional writings (Personal prayer book, Luther’s hymns-36)
Law and Gospel in the Catechism

The Shape of Catechism: Faith Alone

How Luther Wanted the Catechism Used

Teaching the Catechism in the Home
  • Every father of a family is a bishop in his house and the wife a bishopess, help carry on the ministry of the church
  • It moved the village altar into the family kitchen
Where the Heidelberg Theses and the Small Catechism Intersection
  • Theology of Cross vs. Theology of Glory
    • The world cannot tolerate the theology of the cross
  • The world, the devil, and the flesh attack the cross of Christ.
Preaching the Catechsim
Praying the Catechism 
On the Battlefield

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