The Large Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther, 1529: The Annotated Luther Study Edition
With great detail, Kirsi I. Stjerna introduces and annotates Luther’s Large Catechism, which the reformer offered as a radical reorientation in the matters of theology and spirituality. After diagnosing what appeared to him as his church’s failures to provide proper spiritual care, Luther set out to offer a new compass for religious life. The sweeping reforms he proposed took root primarily through preaching and education as people embraced the new vision and transmitted it to their children. He believed all Christian people—laity and clergy—needed a guide to comprehend the basic biblical, creedal, and sacramental teachings. The order with which Luther proceeds in the Large Catechism is deliberate, with a distinct theological rationale; the Commandments express God’s expectations; the Creed proclaims God’s promise; the Lord’s Prayer translates law and gospel into a personal discourse with God; and the sacraments offer tangible expressions of God’s grace and signs to lean on in faith.
This volume is excerpted from The Annotated Luther series, Volume 2. Each volume in the series contains extensive annotations, illustrations, and notes to help shed light on Luther’s context and to interpret his writings for today.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781506413556
- eBook ISBN 9781506413563
- Brand Annotated Luther
- Dimensions 7.5 x 9.25
- Pages 154
- Publication Date June 1, 2016
Endorsements
Series endorsements
"This exciting Annotated Luther series from Fortress Press comes out at a very important moment. Lutherans worldwide anticipate the commemoration of five hundred years of the reformation in 2017. I just came from a conference of Asian Lutheran theologians where various Luther reception processes have been established to cater for Sunday school children to seminary professors. In many parts of the global south where the churches are growing, there is growing desire to encounter the reformer in as direct ways as is possible. The Annotated Luther series will facilitate easy access to Luther, especially for those who could not do so in the German or Latin. This will be a great resource likely to be translated into many vernacular languages."
Kenneth Mtata
The Lutheran World Federation
"The Annotated Luther series represents a finely crafted synthesis between readable primary texts and some of the best secondary scholarship. A superb editorial team, under the leadership of Hillerbrand, Stjerna, and Wengert, has made seventy-five selections, ranging from major treatises to sermons and letters, and beautifully laid these out in six volumes, together with state-of-the-art analyses and explanatory notes. Luther the theologian, the biblical interpreter, the pastor, the social/political thinker—all are given their due, and the resulting multidimensional portrait combines balance with a newly sharpened focus. In sum, a signal achievement."
Denis R. Janz
Loyola University New Orleans
"The Annotated Luther series provides a very welcome resource for meeting Luther again in the contemporary world. With language refreshed for our time, we can see more clearly Luther as a man who is actively grappling with a society undergoing dramatic challenges economically, religiously, and socially. By providing skilled commentary from scholars around the world and from diverse theological perspectives, this work will be of great help for modern Christians seeking to adapt and extend the insights from the Reformation to modern challenges."
Maria E. Erling
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
"As no other comparable series, The Annotated Luther provides the reader, whether lay or ordained, with a collection of the Wittenberg reformer's most important writings that is at once learned and highly accessible. Here Luther's works are presented in up-to-date translation with helpful introductions, explanatory notes, and engaging images. A must for the student and scholar of Luther alike!"
Ronald K. Rittgers
Valparaiso University
"This exciting Annotated Luther series from Fortress Press comes out at a very important moment. Lutherans worldwide anticipate the commemoration of five hundred years of the reformation in 2017. I just came from a conference of Asian Lutheran theologians where various Luther reception processes have been established to cater for Sunday school children to seminary professors. In many parts of the global south where the churches are growing, there is growing desire to encounter the reformer in as direct ways as is possible. The Annotated Luther series will facilitate easy access to Luther, especially for those who could not do so in the German or Latin. This will be a great resource likely to be translated into many vernacular languages."
Kenneth Mtata
The Lutheran World Federation
"The Annotated Luther series represents a finely crafted synthesis between readable primary texts and some of the best secondary scholarship. A superb editorial team, under the leadership of Hillerbrand, Stjerna, and Wengert, has made seventy-five selections, ranging from major treatises to sermons and letters, and beautifully laid these out in six volumes, together with state-of-the-art analyses and explanatory notes. Luther the theologian, the biblical interpreter, the pastor, the social/political thinker—all are given their due, and the resulting multidimensional portrait combines balance with a newly sharpened focus. In sum, a signal achievement."
Denis R. Janz
Loyola University New Orleans
"The Annotated Luther series provides a very welcome resource for meeting Luther again in the contemporary world. With language refreshed for our time, we can see more clearly Luther as a man who is actively grappling with a society undergoing dramatic challenges economically, religiously, and socially. By providing skilled commentary from scholars around the world and from diverse theological perspectives, this work will be of great help for modern Christians seeking to adapt and extend the insights from the Reformation to modern challenges."
Maria E. Erling
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg
"As no other comparable series, The Annotated Luther provides the reader, whether lay or ordained, with a collection of the Wittenberg reformer's most important writings that is at once learned and highly accessible. Here Luther's works are presented in up-to-date translation with helpful introductions, explanatory notes, and engaging images. A must for the student and scholar of Luther alike!"
Ronald K. Rittgers
Valparaiso University