The German edition of Commentary on Luther's Catechisms by Albrecht Peters has long been the gold standard of research on the catechetical texts of the great reformer. This translation makes the wealth of research available in English for both the researcher and the catechist. Separate volumes address the Decalogue, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacraments, and Confession with the Table of Duties, prayers, and the Marriage and Baptismal Booklets.
For Luther, God's action in creation, redemption, sanctification, justification, and prayer are inseparably tied together with one another, and all true prayer finds the seed around which it can crystallize in the Lord's Prayer. The reformer develops these central insights throughout his several different explanations of the Lord's Prayer. This book shows what types of changes took place in Luther's explanations before reaching the present form in the catechisms and provides the needed context of Luther's interpretation within that of the Western tradition.
One of the most insightful interpreters of Luther and the theological tradition of the Lutheran Church in the latter half of the twentieth century, Peters places Luther's texts before readers in the context of the reformer's own time and of the catechetical tradition that he inherited, put to use, and transformed. Accessible to a broad audience, this volume will significantly enrich the teaching of all who use it to deepen their understanding of two of the most precious gems from Luther's pen: the Small and Large Catechism.
Robert Kolb
Missions Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the Institute
for Mission Studies
Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri
