Added to the Documents Library, these articles, theses, and dissertations:
Krause, Richard A. “Remember the Saxon Visitation: Devotional Modeling for Christian Families,” Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology, vol. XVI, no. 4 (Reformation 2007), pp. 21-28
Nordling, John, “The Catechism: The Heart of the Reformation,” Logia: A Journal of Lutheran Theology, vol. XVI, no. 4 (Reformation 2007), pp. 5-14
Bode, Gerhard, “Knowing How to Live and Die: Luther and the Teaching of the Christian Faith,” Concordia Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, Spring 2018, pp. 15-33
Vogel, Larry, “LCMS Catechism 6.0,” Concordia Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, Spring 2018, pp.34-43
Jurgen, Pete, “Why Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation is a Tool Uniquely Suited for Parish Education,” Concordia Journal, vol. 44, no. 2, Spring 2018, pp. 44-55
Pless, John T., “Luther on Marriage: Vocation in Creation and Cross, Image of God Conference,” Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 18-20 September 2006
Thompson, Virgil, “The Promise of Catechesis,” Lutheran Quarterly (Autumn 1990), 259-270
Arand, Charles P., “Luther on the God Behind the First Commandment,” Lutheran Quarterly (Winter 1994), 397-424
Asburry, Randy, “Luther’s Teaching of “Faith” in his Catechisms,” (1998), Master of Sacred Theology Seminar Papers. 1 (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis)
Abstract: In this paper we will examine Luther’s understanding of faith in the following ways. First, we will define “faith” by unpacking its meaning. We will ask, “Who believes and in what do they believe?” Second, we will look at Luther’s language of faith in his Catechisms and catechetical writings. We will note how he changes his language of faith depending on which part of Christian teaching he is explaining. Third, we will examine Luther’s grammar of faith-his use of grammatical subjects, verbs, and objects-in the Small Catechism. And finally, we will see how Luther combines the teachings of the Christian faith with personal trust in those divine truths. For Luther, “faith” is much more than mental assent to doctrinal truths; it is a person’s reception of those life-changing truths and the incorporation of those truths into one’s way of thinking and living. Also, in Luther’s Catechisms, “faith” is much more than a person’s ever-changing religious experience; it is based on the sure foundation of the teachings of the Christian faith.
Bode, Gerhard, “Conrad Dieterich (1575-1639) and the Instruction of Luther’s Small Catechism, (2005),” Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation. 35 (Concordia Seminary – St. Louis)
Abstract: Luther’s catechisms have had a lasting impact on catechesis in the Lutheran church and are still widely used in Lutheran circles more than 475 years after Luther wrote them. Conrad Dieterich (1575-1639) wrote several catechisms based on Luther’s Small Catechism that were widely used in Lutheran circles during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Two of Dieterich’s works were intended for use by upper-level students in Latin schools and employed dialectical method in presenting the catechetical doctrine. The dissertation addresses one basic two-part question: first, what is the nature of the method Dieterich employs in his analysis and explanation of the teaching of Luther’s catechism, and second, why does Dieterich exposit the catechism in this way? To answer these questions the dissertation sets the stage by reviewing Luther’s understanding of catechesis and the purposes for his catechisms. This is followed by aloo at Dieterich’s life and career and a consideration of how his work fits in its theological and historical context. Dieterich’s conception of the catechetical task is then discussed, followed by an examination of the method and content of his Latin catechisms. Finally, the impact of Dieterich’s catechetical works is analyzed, with a survey of the manner in which schools and churches employed his books and the reasons why they stopped using them. In his Latin textbooks on catechesis, Dieterich presents an eclectic approach combining elements from the dialectical methods of Aristotle and Petrus Ramus. This hybrid form consists mainly of Aristotelian doctrine presented according to the method and order of Ramus. To a large degree, the Aristotelian subject matter of Dieterich’s dialectic is derived from Melanchthon’s system of logic found in his textbook, the Erotemata dialectices. The dissertation concludes that the idea of faith changes when the tool of dialectical method gets to be firmly fixed and becomes more than a tool, with the result that Dieterich’s method has a distinct impact on the content and message of Luther’s Small Catechism.
Wyssmann, Kevin, Systemic Catechesis, (2002). Doctor of Ministry Major Applied Project. 108 (Concordia Seminary, St. Louis)
Abstract: Systemic Catechesis is designed to merge several academic disciplines into a new catechetical model. Learning theories, systemic psychology, and a distinctive Lutheran approach to confirmation are combined in an effort to catechize whole family systems while specifically targeting junior high youth. This multifaceted program utilizes class time, home work, periodic evaluations, camps and retreats to maximize learning. The results of this project is a two-year curriculum that fully integrates educators, congregation, and the family into the catechetical process.