Discussion on Luther's Small Catechism

[Chris_LaRock]

I’m starting this topic to discuss things written in Martin Luther’s Catechism. I was studying section one of Luther’s small catechism, dealing with the 10 commandments when I ran into this:

THE SECOND COMMANDMENTYou shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God that we do not use his name to curse, swear, lie or deceive, or use witchcraft, but call upon God’s name in every trouble, pray, praise, and give thanks.

Just wondering, why would Luther include witchcraft in with an explaination about the prohibition on blaspeming God’s name?

 

[Syele]

I found this explanation from a Lutheran church website:

http://stpaulsfulton.org/second_commandment.htm:

Next comes the category called “witchcraft” in the 1941 translation of the Catechism, or “satanic arts” in the current version. When I learned this in confirmation class I though it was only ancient history. Little did I know that witches and satan worship would come out in the open during my lifetime. From a few things I have learned about such practices, one is that they often use Christian symbols and names of God during their ceremonies. But the symbols and names are used backwards or upside down. These are obvious perversions of the use of God’s name.
Yet there are other activities often accepted by the world around us that are less obvious, but still misuses of the Holy Name of God. Included in our understanding of satanic arts are such things as horoscopes and other forms of astrology, attempting to communicate with the dead, and many other activities often found in so called “New Age Religions.”

 

[Chris_LaRock]

Luther’s catechism is a bit dry and boring to read and study. I have trouble remembering and memorizing anything that bores me. Are there any study techniques that can help with this?

 

[JonNC]

Luther’s catechism is a bit dry and boring to read and study. I have trouble remembering and memorizing anything that bores me. Are there any study techniques that can help with this?

Chris,
Try the online version
www.bookofconcord.org

The English is a little more up-to-date than Tappert. In addition, the Small Catechism is directed at parents teaching their families, and is question and answer form, so is more easily read. The Large Catechism is much deeper.

Jon