Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation - 2017 Visual Edition

Now with a sturdier concealed wire-o binding!

When Martin Luther paired simple graphics with the profound teachings of the Small Catechism, it was nothing short of revolutionary. He presented families with a handbook for learning, thinking, and speaking about the Christian faith. 

Five hundred years later, we revisit Luther's ideas with the visual format of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation, 2017 edition. Presented in an easy-to-navigate format with colorful spreads, engaging illustrations, charts, and callouts, this accessible, open-design layout lets you experience the catechism like never before. 

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There are three major sections of the visual format. The full text of the Small Catechism is included with each part presented on two-page spreads. The 2017 Synodical Explanation is presented with the colors and overall themes of each chief part matching the two-page Small Catechism spread in the opening pages. Illustrations, lists, and iconography aid in learning.

The Appendix provides a series of essays and lists that relate to Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, including reference materials and indexes. The Visual format gives you new and exciting ways to engage with the timeless truths of the faith at home, on your own, and with others.

About the 2017 Edition of Luther's Small Catechism with Explanation

Written by Martin Luther in 1529, the Small Catechism provides a brief, clear summary of God’s Word on the essentials of the Christian faith. In question-and-answer format, it explores the Six Chief Parts of Christian Doctrine and includes daily prayers, a table of duties for Christians in their various callings, and a guide for Christians as they prepare to receive Holy Communion.

An explanation designed to help readers understand and apply Luther’s Small Catechism has accompanied editions of the catechism since the early days of Lutheranism. The 2017 edition offers an updated and expanded explanation, tackling issues prevalent in our culture today. With 374 questions and 1142 Scripture references, the new Explanation provides more biblical teaching and devotional aids than ever before. The Bible text included in the Explanation is from the English Standard Version (ESV).