Explaining the Explanation of Luther’s Small Catechism
We hear a lot about Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, also known as the “Enchiridon” … an English word deriving from the Greek language, meaning, literally “In the hand” … in other words, a “Handbook.” The Small Catechism that Luther wrote in 1529 has, for many centuries, commonly been published with an “Explanation,” consisting of a series of questions and answers on the variety of doctrinal topics covered in the six chief parts of Luther’s Catechism. How did this “Explanation” come about, and on what is it based? Rev. Engelbrecht does a nice job explaining this, and I’m passing along his blog post:
Luther did not write “A Short Explanation of Dr. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism.” Others wrote it while commenting on Luther’s catechism. Ultimately, the root of the book is from Johann Konrad Dietrich’s Institutiones catecheticae published in the 17th century and updated by subsequent generations in various languages to meet the current needs of Christian educators. Due to the number of contributors and to the constant editing of the text over the centuries, the work cannot be attributed to one or even a few contributors, which is why I suppose there are no specific author names associated with it. However, on page 45 of the current edition, you will find, “This explanation has been based upon and largely includes the work of Johann Konrad Dietrich (1575–1639), Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (1811–1887), Heinrich Christian Schwann (1819–1905), and the committee that prepared the synodical catechism of 1943.” Concordia Publishing House has updated the catechism in cooperation with the LCMS since at least 1943. I recently sent to Concordia Historical Institute the files of CPH editor Dr. Earl Gaulke regarding the 1991 edition, which was the last time we updated the book. The explanation exists under a separate copyright from the translation of the catechism itself. (See the indicia page for the current edition which refers to a 1991 CPH copyright and to earlier versions of the explanation published in 1965 and 1943.)
You may purchase a copy of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation from Concordia Publishing House by following this link.
This is informative; thank you. Now, would someone please explain to me why the explanation is *still* in error on question 282? The Confessions clearly teach that both the binding and loosing key belong to the pastor as he acts in the congregation’s name, but this question transfers the binding key to the congregation who’s resolution the pastor carries out. The Confessions do NOT speak like this. In my opinion, this error is the root of many congregational problems, particularly those that have the “Synod’s approval” to lord authority over their pastor.
@Rev. Gregory Schultz
Thank you Rev. McCain for posting this explanation to the explanation and to you Pastor Schultz for your question and comment.
Since this explanation is not binding on the pastor by way of his ordination vows and since I do not use all of them anyway or use some to explain the scriptural teaching properly (that is, according to the Confessions) I feel an even more egregious fault in the printing of the Small Catechism lies in the use of the New International Version for the translation of John 20 in the 5th chief part on Confession and Absolution. The NIV mis-translates the verb “krateo” in verse 23 as “do not forgive” when the word means to seize or to hold. It is unfortunate that the editors did not use the New King James version here (as they did in some other places) or even better use the New American Standard version both of which properly translate the word properly as “bind”, but the NASB also keeping the “perfect” sense of the verb as an ongoing action. …”If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they _have been retained_. ” (John 20:23, NASB95)
No wonder American Lutheran Churches lost this precious gift of God (that is individual Confession and Absolution) over the last century, and thank God that He is returning this gift to our congregations as the young people seek out this precious gift given in the stead and by the command of Christ our Lord, through the hands of their faithful pastors
I look forward to the day when this text of the Small Catechism is properly translated in our Synodical publications, both those used in catechism classes and in our wonderful “new” hymnal.