MARTIN LUTHER'S LARGE CATECHISM
AND
small catechism
The Large Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther (lutheranlibrary.org)
We have no slight reason for urging so constantly the Catechism, and for both desiring and beseeching others to do the same, since we see to our sorrow that many pastors and preachers are in this so very negligent, and slight not only their office, but even the doctrine itself; some from great and ambitious art, but others from pure indolence and care for their palates, being not otherwise disposed than if it were for the sake of their appetites that they are pastors and preachers, and as though they had nothing to do but to spend and consume as long as they live; as they have been accustomed to do under the Papacy. And although they have everything that they are to preach and teach set forth now so fully, clearly, and intelligibly in so many excellent books, and Sermones per se loquentes, Dormi secure, Paratos et Thesauros 1 , as in former times they were called; yet they are not so godly and honest as to buy these books, or even if they have them, they do not look at them or read them. Alas! they are shameful gluttons and ministers of their appetites, who would much more properly be swineherds and dog-fanciers than pastors and Gospel minister
1] The deplorable, miserable condition which I discovered lately when I, too, was a visitor, has forced and urged me to prepare [publish] this Catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple form. 2] Mercy! Good God! what manifold misery I beheld! The common people, especially in the villages, have no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine, and, alas! many pastors are altogether incapable and incompetent to teach [so much so, that one is ashamed to speak of it]. 3] Nevertheless, all maintain that they are Christians, have been baptized and receive the [common] holy Sacraments. Yet they [do not understand and] cannot [even] recite either the Lord’s Prayer, or the Creed, or the Ten Commandments; they live like dumb brutes and irrational hogs; and yet, now that the Gospel has come, they have nicely learned to abuse all liberty like experts.
