with Explanation
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This edition copyright © 2017 Concordia Publishing House
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“An Explanation of the Small Catechism” copyright © 2017 Concordia Publishing House.
Luther’s Small Catechism copyright © 1986 Concordia Publishing House.
Illustrations copyright © 2005 Concordia Publishing House.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House.
Quotations from the Lutheran Confessions in this publication are from Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions, second edition, copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved. Brackets from Concordia.
Quotations marked LSB are from Lutheran Service Book, copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Quotations marked LW are from Luther’s Works, American Edition: vol. 22 © 1957 and vol. 24 © 1961 by Concordia Publishing House; all rights reserved; vol. 35 © 1960 and vol. 51 © 1959 by Fortress Press; used by permission of the publisher.
Quotations marked WLS are from What Luther Says, copyright © 1959 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations in the Small Catechism are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
With the exception of the Small Catechism and as otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked NKJV are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Christian Questions with Their Answers
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About Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation, 2017 EditionMore than a quarter of a century has passed since the Explanation to Luther’s Small Catechism was updated. During that time, society and culture have changed dramatically: our culture is increasingly diverse in worldviews and religions. Specific changes contradict Christian beliefs and values: same-sex marriage, over-the-counter abortion pills, and atheist hostility toward Christian beliefs and values—leaving many to doubt if there is such a thing as absolute truth. With these new questions and topics facing new generations, the Synod decided that the Explanation to Luther’s Small Catechism needed to address these issues for the sake of young and old. The 2017 Explanation presents a lens to faithfully understand God’s Word in the midst of changing times—providing a practical guide for living the daily Christian life. 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. |
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