Luther s Large Catechism

Transcription

1 Luther s Large Catechism Ten Commandments Study Questions This study guide is divided into two parts, SPECIFIC QUESTIONS, in which study is directed according to each individual commandment, and TOPICAL QUESTIONS, which address larger topics that span across Luther s explanation of the Ten Commandments. I would recommend picking two, maybe three of these subsections for a one-hour session, perhaps one SPECIFIC QUESTION and one TOPICAL QUESTION and spending about a half-hour on each. All references to paragraphs and page numbers are specific to the Robert Fischer translation of the Large Catechism (which is available in the office). Most versions of the Large Catechism should include paragraph numbers in the margins of the book for easy reference. Enjoy your study. For this is most certainly true. SPECIFIC QUESTIONS FIRST COMMANDMENT. Read the Large Catechism, paragraphs 1-4 [pg. 9]. According to Luther, what does it mean to have a god? According to Luther, what is true faith? What are the other gods in our lives that take the place of the one true God? Now skip ahead to paragraphs in the First Commandment section of the Large Catechism. [pg ] According to Luther, what is true worship? Given Luther s definition, how do the things we do at Westwood (whether on Sunday morning or the rest of the week) serve as true worship?

2 SECOND COMMANDMENT Read the Large Catechism, paragraphs [pg. 15] How does Luther define taking God s name in vain? In what ways do we take God s name in vain in our everyday lives? THIRD COMMANDMENT Read the Large Catechism, paragraphs [pg. 21]. According to Luther, what is the real business of a holy day? What days should be holy days? What does Luther call the true holy object? How does it relate to the Sabbath, a holy day, or any other day? Now read paragraph 96 [pg. 22] What is Luther warning us against? FOURTH COMMANDMENT. Read paragraphs [pgs ]. Certainly, Luther holds parents in high esteem. Note, however, what he says about honor. Do you agree? Now read paragraph 141 [pg. 28]. Note that Luther applies the commandment very broadly here. Why do you think he did that? How does this inform you regarding politics, the workplace, schools, and neighborhoods?

3 FIFTH COMMANDMENT. Read paragraphs [pg. 33]. Luther makes a crucial distinction between the authority of a parent and the authority of government. What is it? Do you agree? Now read paragraph 182 [pg. 33] and Matthew 5:21-26 [below] You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, You shall not murder ; and whoever murders shall be liable to judgment. But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, You fool, you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Spend just a minute or so reflecting on what Luther seems to be saying here? Now, paragraphs [pgs 34-35]. Luther seems to get to the heart of his understanding of the commandment. How does it jibe with your understanding? How does it challenge our own comfortable American lives? SIXTH COMMANDMENT. Read paragraph [pg.36] How does Luther tie this commandment to the Fifth commandment? Now read paragraphs [pg. 37] Given the current debate in our culture over marriage, do Luther s words sway you one way or the other? What is it mean to be unsuited for married life?

4 SEVENTH COMMANDMENT. Read paragraphs [pg. 41] and [pgs 42-43]. How can Luther s teaching on stealing be a commentary on our own modern life? In what ways do we disobey this commandment by stealing from others without breaking the laws of the United States or Minnesota? Do we have any responsibility as Lutheran Americans to act differently than what our laws allow? EIGHTH COMMANDMENT. Read paragraphs [pg. 44]. Luther outlines three applications to the commandment. What are they? Considering Luther s words, how do you think he would respond to the confrontational nature of contemporary news media and public politics? How should we respond? NINTH AND TENTH COMMANDMENTS. Read paragraphs [pg. 49]. How does Luther define coveting? What are these commandments mostly directed toward? What is God s purpose in giving these two commandments? TOPICAL QUESTIONS A. In his explanation of the Ten Commandments in the Small Catechism, Luther first quotes the commandment, then asks the question, what is this? Every answer of every commandment begins with the words, We are to fear and love God..." The pattern of fearing God and then loving God is repeated throughout the Large Catechism. How does his understanding of the first and second uses of the law [pg. 6 in the overview] relate, then to fearing and loving God (in that order)?

5 B. In Martin Luther s Preface to the Large Catechism, he writes; Many regard the Catechism as a simple, silly teaching which they can absorb and master at one reading. After reading it once they toss the book into a corner as if they are ashamed to read it again. Indeed, even among the nobility there are some louts and skinflints who declare that we can do without pastors and preachers from now on because we have everything in books and can learn it all by ourselves. So they blithely let parishes fall into decay, and brazenly allow both pastors and preachers to suffer distress and hunger. This is what one can expect out of crazy Germans. Reflecting upon what you have learned and experienced in reading the Large Catechism, the study Guide, and this particular quote from Luther, discuss: 1) Ways we as individuals, a small group, or a faith community can continue to use the Large Catechism as a guide to Christian faith? 2) Reflect on how we, too, are crazy Germans in the way we use or misuse study materials produced by the ELCA or other sourcesa. 3) Luther wrote these words at a time when the printing press was only beginning to revolutionize communications. Few lay people had Bibles or even access to them. Now, however, many of us own multiple Bibles in multiple translations, numerous books on faith, plus we have access to the internet and seemingly unending commentaries and discussions on faith. Is there even a need for a single, unified, official catechism in this day and age?

6 C. In Romans 1: 18-20, Paul writes: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. According to this passage, what can people know of God naturally? Compare this to Luther s discussion of natural law in the Large Catechism. [study guide, page 5] Now, read Romans 1, 21-25:...for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the degrading of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen. How do we distinguish between simply knowing God and honoring God? Again, thinking about Luther s discussion of natural law [study guide, page 5], how do we apply the Ten Commandments or the Levitical Laws in a way that truly honors God? How does Luther apply them? How do these thoughts contribute to our understanding of biblical interpretation in today s world, specifically in relationship to current debates about biblical interpretation that are so evident these days in the ELCA?