An acclaimed Luther scholar revisits the wisdom of Martin Luther's "Small Catechism" in this complete Lenten program. Based on the six sections of the catechism, "A Lenten Discipline" provides instructive homily/meditations and worship services for each week in Lent, including Maundy Thursday. An initial chapter examining the Word of God as Law and Gospel sets the tone for the series and can be used as the basis of an Ash Wednesday sermon. Subsequent weeks explore the basic teachings of the faith on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Confession, and Holy Communion.
Though perfectly suited for congregational use during Lent, this series has a multitude of other applications. In addition to catechism or confirmation instruction, it's also excellent for a sermon series, as a theological resource, or for classrooms, workshops, and retreats. But whatever the setting, these informative homily/lectures and worship experiences will give users new insight into Luther's genius.
Thomas W. Strieter is a well-known preacher and teacher with a long career both in the parish and academia. During over 40 years in the ministry he has pastored both urban and suburban congregations in greater Chicago, and has taught Luther's theology at several Lutheran and Roman Catholic institutions of higher education, including the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. A graduate of Concordia Seminary (B.A., M.Div.) and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (S.T.M., Ph.D.), Strieter also was instrumental in founding Chicago's Peace Museum. He currently serves as Associate Pastor and Theologian in Residence at Zion Lutheran Church (ELCA) in Tinley Park, Illinois.