The Plain Teacher

The Catechism

Faith explained at the kitchen table

In 1528, Luther and his friends visited churches across Saxony. They wanted to see what ordinary people had learned. What they found upset him. Some pastors couldn't explain the basics of the faith, and their people knew even less. So in 1529 Luther wrote the Small Catechism. It was a short, plain guide meant to be taught at home as well as in church.

It covers six main parts: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, and the Lord's Supper. It also has prayers for morning, evening, and meals. His method was simple. He quoted a teaching, then explained it plainly enough for any parent to teach at the kitchen table.

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At the kitchen table

A 10-minute guide for parents, grandparents, and mentors

You don't need the answers. Just ask, and listen.

“God, bless the learning that happens at this table. Amen.”

  1. Luther wrote the Small Catechism so parents could teach faith at home, around a table like this one. What's something you learned at home that stuck?

    Listen for
    Recipes, sayings, habits. Home is often where faith is learned too.

  2. Pick one commandment together. What does it look like at school or online?

    If they choose “do not steal”
    Ask about taking credit, or someone's time. Luther's explanations often show what a commandment protects.

  3. What does this mean?

    Why this question
    Luther asks this again and again in the catechism. Now it's your family's question too.

Share: Tell what you remember from your own confirmation or first lessons in faith.