Title
Luther's Small Catechism: An Examination Of Its Structure, Intent, and Use for the Church Today
Date of Award
5-19-2000
Document Type
Seminar Paper
Degree Name
Master of Sacred Theology (STM)
Department
Systematic Theology
Abstract
The Small Catechism: an instructional manual? a confession? a prayer book? A practical life's compendium? Twenty years later, does the use of the Small Catechism today reflect the pedantry of Drevlow's "instructional manual," or does it in any way embrace the manifold possibilities set forth by Hoh? Does its use today, in fact, reflect what Luther intended in its compilation? Indeed, what did Luther intend?
It is toward suggesting answers to such questions (the last specifically) that this paper shall direct itself. It will do so basically in three parts: 1.) recognizing the difficulty in definitively disjointing structure from intent, intent from structure, this paper will focus primarily on the structural development of the traditional parts of the Small Catechism as delivered to, accepted by, and used in the church today; 2.) it will set forth an analysis of the specific intent behind the development of the Small Catechism's structure; and 3.) it will examine and offer contemporary considerations and suggestions with reference to the use of the Small Catechism in the church today.
Recommended Citation
Watson, Kenneth, "Luther's Small Catechism: An Examination Of Its Structure, Intent, and Use for the Church Today" (2000). Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers. 60.
https://scholar.csl.edu/stmsp/60
Creative Commons License
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