Catechetics

In this volume, nine leading Lutheran scholars examine the theological, historical and educational foundations of confirmation ministry in the ELCA. Confirmation: Engaging Lutheran Foundations and Practices arms leaders with the creativity and innovation to meet the challenges of confirmation ministry. This book identifies the key issues and concerns of today's confirmation ministry planners and deepens the educators' commitment to teaching the Lutheran faith to people of all ages--especially adolescents--in a way that is Gospel and grace-centered. New patterns have emerged in congregational practices of confirmation ministry, adolescent research has yielded new insights for teachers, several catechetical curricula have been published, and ecumenical conversations have progressed and demand attention. A new generation of teachers and leaders has arisen and is asking for an in-depth look at confirmation today. And here it is. This book is alive -- alive with a vibrancy of excitement about ministry with youth and, above all, confirmation ministry. This is a book that is theoretical and practical, paying attention to the variety of contemporary practices in congregations and yet holding a solid continuity with the past heritage of the church. It answers questions such as: What's happening in congregational confirmation ministry today? Why do we have confirmation? What is it? How might we think about confirmation ministry in our own congregation? The spirit of lively energy that permeates the chapters will engage readers in reflecting on their own role in confirmation ministry. And if this encourages them to become more deeply involved and reinvigorates them in their teaching and pastoral ministry to youth, if it moves them to prayer and to action and to wonder at the confirming grace of God in the lives of the baptized, then this book will have done its work.

De catechizandis rudibus was written as a reflection on the most suitable way of communicating the heart of Christian faith to those applying for membership in the Church.

As with very many of Augustine's works, Instructing Beginners in Faith is a response to a request, an answer to questions put to him by others. In this case we know from the first words of the work itself that the one making the request is named Deogratias (Augustine calls him "brother"), and a couple of lines later we learn that he is a deacon in Carthage, the principal city of Proconsular Africa, where he enjoys popularity as a teacher of the faith. In the most general terms, he wanted Augustine to send him "something in writing which might be of use to him on the question of instructing beginners in faith (de catechizandis rudibus)". The term rudes in this expression referred specifically to people who were approaching the Church for the first time with the wish to become Christians.
Instructing Beginners in Faith has been frequently and creatively adapted to serve the needs of education in faith in many different contexts, including the education of clergy and religious education more generally. The two model catecheses that Augustine sketches not only continue to have relevance today but also provide an important insight into his understanding of the use of scripture and tradition. Augustine's awareness of the problems that religious educators face demonstrates his profound grasp of the human condition. Written as a reflection on the most suitable way of communicating the heart of Christian faith to those applying for membership of the Church.

This edition of Luther's Large Catechism with Study Questions is the translation of Luther's Large Catechism found in Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions. A visually appealing summary of Christian doctrine, this Catechism includes study questions that refer back to the text. Whether you are looking for devotional material or a deeper examination of Luther's Catechism, this book allows you to further explore the Holy Scripture.

Features:

A summary of Christian doctrine, as well as devotional and instructional materials about the Christian faith

Study questions that allow you to further examine, reflect upon, and delve into the text

A study that directs readers directly back to the text of the Large Catechism (not a lesson plan for a teacher)

Laypeople and students who are looking for a deeper exploration of Luther's Large Catechism will appreciate this expanded edition. It provides the perfect way to dig deeper, learn, and reflect on Luther's words in terms that anyone can understand-all in one package.

An easy-to-use resource for teaching the faith in a simple way. Colorful icons and illustrations guide children through each tenet of faith as encouraged in Luther's Small Catechism. Older elementary-aged students will be able to read and study concepts from the 2017 Explanation of the catechism in developmentally appropriate terms and in a way they understand.

Who are disciples? What is a life of discipleship?

This book answers those important questions by looking at Luther's Small Catechism as a field manual for how to live in faith and serve in love according to God's commandments.

Lutherans have a unique view of discipleship. Disciples of Jesus Christ continue in His Word, living by faith in the promises of God and serving the neighbor with love according to God's commandments. This is the essential aspect of a Christian's vocation.

Author John Pless capitalizes on the Lutheran view of discipleship to equip pastors and laity to better utilize Luther's Small Catechism as a guide for a life of discipleship.

Learning the Catechism is a milestone in faith development. We want our children to do more than simply recite the explanations. Our desire is that our children would know, love, and follow the Savior. My First Catechism is a first-step resource to helping parents teach the faith. Organized in the same way as your traditional Luther's Small Catechism, this colorfully illustrated book is a tool for helping little ones start learning the simple explanations to our doctrine.