February 2026: Luther's Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections

Alisha Ungs • Pastor of Discipleship
February 1, 2026

3 Minute Read
“In connection with the observance of the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation events initiated by the 95 Theses, a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians gathered at the offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to explore and reflect on Luther's Small Catechism… This edition of Luther's Small Catechism is not only the version of the Small Catechism widely used among Lutherans in North America today, but also includes reflections from a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians. These brief commentaries offer additional context, language, and illumination from the experiences of African descent people, both past and present, to enrich our understanding of the Small Catechism and enliven faith.” - Excerpt from the introduction by the Rev. Dr. James Kenneth Echols (1951- 2018).

Book of the Month review ~

Luther’s Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections


It may seem a bit snarky of me to suggest Luther’s Small catechism in a Lutheran church setting, but as I read through this particular copy, I realized it had some wonderful insights that all of us sometimes need to be reminded of. 

If it’s been a while since you have opened the catechism (maybe even since you were back in confirmation? Let’s be honest here…) it can be a great way to refresh your memory on what the basis of Lutheran theology is in a way that is broken down into more simple terms instead of the fancy theological jargon. Luther wrote this for the average layperson to be able to understand in ways that were not previously accessible to the general public. 

In the Small Catechism, Luther breaks down the very fundamentals of our faith: the creed, the commandments, and the sacraments along with several others. In almost every section, he asks the simple question: “What is this?” or “What does this mean?” And opens the door to a deeper understanding of why we say the prayers and creeds that we do.

And it’s no accident that I am recommending this specific edition of the catechism; the African Descent Reflections add further depth as well as some more contemporary applications to help us connect. Reading the catechism is good, but Luther did write it more than 500 years ago. We may very well ask ourselves, “why does this matter TODAY?” And Luther's Small Catechism With African Descent Reflections sets out to answer that very question. 

All in all, I highly recommend this very quick read. Depending on your reading speed, you may even be able to knock it out in one sitting of a couple hours; however, I do recommend you instead take your time. Spend intentional time with prayer and reflection after each section. Ask God, “What are you saying to ME today?” 

Our denomination may be more than 500 years old, but our faith is a living faith. Going back to the fundamentals from time to time is an important practice that I encourage all of us to pursue. 

-PA

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February 1, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
February 2026: Luther's Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections
“In connection with the observance of the five hundredth anniversary of the Reformation events initiated by the 95 Theses, a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians gathered at the offices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to explore and reflect on Luther's Small Catechism… This edition of Luther's Small Catechism is not only the version of the Small Catechism widely used among Lutherans in North America today, but also includes reflections from a distinguished group of African descent Lutheran theologians. These brief commentaries offer additional context, language, and illumination from the experiences of African descent people, both past and present, to enrich our understanding of the Small Catechism and enliven faith.” - Excerpt from the introduction by the Rev. Dr. James Kenneth Echols (1951- 2018). Book of the Month review ~ Luther’s Small Catechism with African Descent Reflections It may seem a bit snarky of me to suggest Luther’s Small catechism in a Lutheran church setting, but as I read through this particular copy, I realized it had some wonderful insights that all of us sometimes need to be reminded of. If it’s been a while since you have opened the catechism (maybe even since you were back in confirmation? Let’s be honest here…) it can be a great way to refresh your memory on what the basis of Lutheran theology is in a way that is broken down into more simple terms instead of the fancy theological jargon. Luther wrote this for the average layperson to be able to understand in ways that were not previously accessible to the general public. In the Small Catechism, Luther breaks down the very fundamentals of our faith: the creed, the commandments, and the sacraments along with several others. In almost every section, he asks the simple question: “What is this?” or “What does this mean?” And opens the door to a deeper understanding of why we say the prayers and creeds that we do. And it’s no accident that I am recommending this specific edition of the catechism; the African Descent Reflections add further depth as well as some more contemporary applications to help us connect. Reading the catechism is good, but Luther did write it more than 500 years ago. We may very well ask ourselves, “why does this matter TODAY?” And Luther's Small Catechism With African Descent Reflections sets out to answer that very question. All in all, I highly recommend this very quick read. Depending on your reading speed, you may even be able to knock it out in one sitting of a couple hours; however, I do recommend you instead take your time. Spend intentional time with prayer and reflection after each section. Ask God, “What are you saying to ME today?” Our denomination may be more than 500 years old, but our faith is a living faith. Going back to the fundamentals from time to time is an important practice that I encourage all of us to pursue. -PA

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