Using Luther's Small Catechism as a Framework for Teaching Apologetics to Post-Confirmation Youth at Our Savior Lutheran Church in South Windsor, Connecticut

Abstract

The purpose of the project is to apply Luther’s Small Catechism (LSC) as a framework for teaching apologetics to post-confirmation youth at Our Savior Lutheran Church (OSLC) in South Windsor, Connecticut. The application of Luther’s Small Catechism as an apologetic tool involves teaching a curriculum that uses its structure and language to present presuppositional and evidential apologetics arguments.

Chapter 1 explains the secular ministry context of OSLC, as well as the rationale, purpose, goals, research methodologies, definitions, and delimitations of the project. Chapter 2 examines the apologetic purpose behind Luther’s writing of the Catechism. Chapter 3 demonstrates how the structure and language of the Catechism provide a framework for teaching presuppositional and evidentialist apologetics in response to secularity and Moralistic Therapeutic Deism. Chapter 4 presents the curriculum and lesson plans. Chapter 5 offers a summary of the project implementation, reflections, and suggestions for further development and study.