With great detail, Kirsi I. Stjerna introduces and annotates Luthers 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 churchs 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 peoplelaity and clergyneeded 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 Gods expectations; the Creed proclaims Gods promise; the Lords Prayer translates law and gospel into a personal discourse with God; and the sacraments offer tangible expressions of Gods 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 Luthers context and to interpret his writings for today.
