LUTHER’S SMALL CATECHISM
Description:
Doctor Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism in 1529 in order to help parents teach their children the basic truths of the Christian faith. The word “catechism” means that the teaching takes place through a set of questions and answers. This little book has become a classic of Christian literature and is used to instruct children in thousands of Christian churches around the world.
The six main parts of Christian doctrine that are covered in this book are:
- The Ten Commandments.
- The Apostles Creed.
- The Lord’s Prayer.
- The Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
- Confession and the Office of the Keys.
- The Sacrament of the Altar.
This course will summarize the teachings contained in this book and prepare students to use it to teach children.
Course Objectives:
The objectives of this course are to help students:
- Gain a clear, solid knowledge of the six key parts of Christian teaching contained in the Small Catechism.
- Learn how to apply these important teachings to the faith and life of a Christian.
- Become better prepared to teach the Small Catechism to others.
Requirements:
- This course is open to any GBI student.
- This course is an elective course in all three certificate programs.
- All students who enroll in this course should have a basic understanding of the Bible.
- In order to receive credit for this course, the student must be in attendance for at least 75% of the instruction periods, actively participate in the instruction periods when present, and complete on time and in a satisfactory manner any assignments and/or tests given by the instructor.
Before Class Preparation:
Class members will read and reflect on the assigned pages/questions and complete the study guide for each lesson.
In Class Procedures:
The instructor will lead and guide a discussion of the study guide material with the students (through a translator, if necessary) and assign the new preparation material for the next lesson. The instructor will give the final exam at the conclusion of the class.
Teaching Materials:
Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation by Dr. Martin Luther
Luther’s Small Catechism Study Guide (bilingual edition) by Dr. James G. Witt, III
Course Length:
The course will generally take 30 hours of instruction time in 15 2-hour lessons plus a final exam.
Lesson 1 Introduction to the Catechism and the Ten Commandments Questions 1-18
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 2 Commandments 1-3 Questions 19-44
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 3 Commandments 4-8 Questions 45-62
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 4 Commandments 9 – 10, the Law and Sin Questions 63-85
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 5 Creeds and the First Article Questions 86-113
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 6 the Second Article - Jesus’ Person, Word and Humiliation Questions 114-132
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 7 the Second Article - Jesus’ Redeeming Work and Exaltation Questions 133-152
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 8 the Third Article - The Holy Spirit and Holy Christian Church Questions 153-173
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 10 Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer - Introduction – 2nd Petition Questions 194-214
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 11 the Lord’s Prayer - 3rd Petition - Conclusion Questions 215-235
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 12 the Sacrament of Holy Baptism Questions 236-260
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 13 Confession and the Keys Questions 261-284
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 14 the Sacrament of the Altar – Holy Communion Questions 285-306
Dr. James G. Witt, III
Lesson 15 the Appendix
Dr. James G. Witt, III