Lutheran Campus Ministry at WVU
Catechesis for Collegians
Fall 2004

Luther Rose with 3 Soli

Assignment in preparation for 10/24/2004
"Decalogue 7-10"

What is Catechesis?

Catechesis, in its most general sense, is instruction.  For our purposes, it is instruction in the Christian Faith as interpreted by the Lutheran movement.

Why is Catechesis for Collegians?

The dominant practice in Euro-American Lutheranism is the catechesis of middle school aged children in preparation for their confirmation.  Not everyone gets confirmed at the end of middle school.  For those of collegiate age desiring confirmation, we offer this catechesis.  Not every confirmed member of the Lutheran Church remembers what he/she was taught in middle school.  For those desiring a refresher, we offer this catechesis.  Not every confirmed member is satisfied with the depth of his/her understanding of the Christian Faith.  For those desiring a greater understanding, we offer this catechesis.  Not everyone wants be a Lutheran.  For those seeking, we offer this catechesis.

The bottom line is this: collegians deserve instruction in the Christian Faith which acknowledges that they are collegians, i.e., instruction with intellectual rigor and honesty.  No collegian should have to tolerate instruction which fails to rise above the intellectual simplicity of children's Sunday School nor which fails to exert itself beyond the intellectual sloth of most adult Bible studies.  Whether you have "faith in search of understanding" or "intellect in search of belief", this catechesis is for you.

When, Where, and How Much is Catechesis for Collegians?

Catechesis for Collegians meets Sunday nights, at 6:00 PM, in the lower level of the Lutheran Campus Chapel (across from the Wise Library).  Sessions end before 7:00 PM.  There is no charge for the instruction and all required readings are on-line or provided by the Lutheran Campus Ministry.

Syllabus (under construction)

 
Topics Assignments

Authorities

Rule & Norm

Tradition

  • Creeds
  • Confessions BC Preface
  • Fathers & Reformers 
Exegesis of Authoritative Sources

Theology is not a matter of pure speculation.  Believing that the Divine has revealed itself through the prophets and, in the last days, through his Son, faith, life, and practice are normed by certain witnesses.  How do those witnesses inform theology and practice?  How do adjudicate between theologies and practices which are apparently at variance?  How do read these witnesses in an appropriate manner?

 Read (yes these two are almost identical, so you are free to pick one and ignore the other)
Book of Concord (BC), Formula of Concord (FC), Epitome, Comprehensive Summary, Rule & Norm
or
BC FC, Solid Declaration, The Comprehensive Summary, Rule & Norm

Read
BC, The Three Chief Symbols  (in some editions called, "The Three Ecumenical or Universal Creeds")

Glance at these websites just to know this is out there
CCEL and ANF & NPNF

Small & Large Catechism (Introduction and Form)

The Small Catechism has been memorized by Lutherans for nearly five centuries.  The Large Catechism, while not as well known, has played an indispensable role in Lutheran thought.  Why were they written?  How should they be used?		 Read
BC Small Catechism (SC) Preface

Optional additional reading
BC Large Catechism (LC) Preface  and/or
BC LC Introduction

Major Parts: Decalogue (Ten Commandments)

Table on the Left

The Ten Commandments (a.k.a., the Decalogue) can be divided into two tables.  The Table on the Left explores the "vertical" relationship between the Divine and the Human.

 Read
BC SC Ten Commandments Commandments 1-3 (I:1-3) and
BC LC Ten Commandments Commandments 1-3 (I:1-3)

Major Parts: Decalogue (Ten Commandments)

Table on the Right

The Table on the Right explores the "horizontal" relationship between the Human and the fellow Human.

 Read
BC SC I:4-10
and
LC I:4-10

Major Parts: Creed

Creation
Redemption
Sanctification

Having learned through the Decalogue that we are sinners, the Creed tells of God's graciousness.

 Read
BC SC Creed Article 1 (II:1) & LC Creed Article I (II:1)
BC SC II:2 & LC II:2
BC SC II:3 & LC II:3

Major Parts: Lord's Prayer

In light of our fallen nature and God's surpassing graciousness, the Lord's Prayer teaches us how to pray in thanksgiving and much more.		 Read
BC SC III & LC III

Sacramental Parts: Sacrament of Baptism

Sacramental Parts: Office of the Keys

Though assumed to have been abandoned among Lutherans, private confession was in fact retained.  Not only does this part of the catechism teach us how to make confession, it also gives us some idea of the importance of penance.

Sacramental Parts: Sacrament of the Altar

Appendices: Prayers

With all the talk about spirituality in pop religion, this appendix provides a practical starting point for an authentic Lutheran piety.

Appendices: Table of Duties

In an age when compartmentalization of faith and life (i.e., the separation of faith and work), this appendix explores vocation as something much more than the call to the ordained ministry.  Indeed, it is the call to work for the benefit of others--a call which may be lived out in unexpected ways.