Dr. Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms are “the layman’s Bible” BECAUSE EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR A CHRISTIAN TO KNOW FOR SALVATION IS INCLUDED IN THEM, WHICH IS HANDLED MORE EXTENSIVELY IN THE HOLY SCRIPTURES.

Without the sound doctrine of the catechisms, laypeople, self proclaimed “spiritual” people, and various cult figures have manufactured all manner of horrendously false doctrines. I’m thankful for our Small & Large Catechisms.

We laypeople are not theologians. I’m certain it is very easy and not at all laborious to say ridiculous “spiritual” sounding things. Many people do and then go author books about their grand delusions. Before long, the laypeople can’t wait to do a “Bible” study using the latest Enthusiastic novel or semi-pelagian best seller. The Word gets muddled and the pastors have to work overtime to get the sheep through the narrow gate.

Matthew 7:13-14 comes to mind.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

The catechisms make for visible, solid gate posts.