So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 1: The First Commandment in Luther’s Small CatechismBeing that this is the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting the 95 Theses Against Indulgences, I plan to offer two series on the reformer this fall. The second will expand on a lecture I am giving at La Roche…
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Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 2: The Ten Commandments in Luther’s Small CatechismI do not intend to examine every part of the catechism. You can do that yourself here. Instead, I shall highlight some of the more important parts of Luther’s explanations, especially emphasizing some of his distinctive insights. He numbered the…
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Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 3: The First Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation of the Creed’s first article is another classic. He uses everyday language to interpret creation as God’s ongoing action to provide for all our needs, protect us from all dangers, and preserve us through all changes. This is…
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Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 4: The Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismLuther’s explanation is a beautiful short statement of the Gospel. He conveys the unbounded joy associated with this good news by placing it in the context of an individual hearing it for the first time. All seems to have been…
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Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 5: The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismThis is one of the best statements of Luther’s signature theological principle, justification by grace through faith alone. Implications of the doctrine have permeated every other explanation in the Small Catechism. At this place, we get the full effect. I…
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Lesson 6: The Lord’s Prayer in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 6: The Lord’s Prayer in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismI am going to examine the primary thoughts that appear throughout Luther’s explanation. You can study his treatment of particular petitions here. Perhaps the first thing that jumps out is Luther’s use of justification by grace through faith alone. His…
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Lesson 7: The Sacrament of Baptism in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 7: The Sacrament of Baptism in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismYou get an idea of the critical role played by the sacraments in Lutheran thought by examining Article VII of the Augsburg Confession. It defines the Holy Christian Church as “the assembly of all believers among whom the Gospel is…
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Lesson 8: The Sacrament of Holy Communion in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Read MORE: Lesson 8: The Sacrament of Holy Communion in Martin Luther’s Small CatechismUnderstanding Luther’s understanding of the Sacrament of the Altar has become more relevant recently as many churches engage in a largely unnoticed ecumenical movement toward full communion. The term is almost a play on words as it primarily means efforts…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.