The Library
1693 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.
401–500
1 work
c. 403–405
Latin
De Catechizandis Rudibus
Augustine of Hippo · 354–430
Practical advice to a deacon who found teaching beginners boring: how to tell the story from creation to the church, how long to take, and what to do when the listener looks tired.
1501–1600
6 works
1529
German
Martin Luther · 1483–1546
The commandments, creed, Lord's Prayer, and sacraments explained in the simplest possible terms, each section beginning with the question: what does this mean?
1529
German
Martin Luther · 1483–1546
The same material expounded at length for pastors and heads of households, opening with the claim that whatever your heart clings to is your god.
1542, Latin 1545
French
John Calvin · 1509–1564
Instruction by question and answer, opening with the chief end of human life: to know God by whom we were created.
1555–1558, in three sizes
Latin
Peter Canisius · 1521–1597
Three catechisms for different ages, organised around wisdom and justice, and carefully phrased to answer Protestant teaching without naming it.
1563
German
Heidelberger Katechismus
Zacharias Ursinus and Caspar Olevianus
A hundred and twenty-nine questions and answers arranged as guilt, grace, and gratitude — opening with what a person's only comfort in life and death is, and answering in the first person.
1566
Latin
Catechismus ex Decreto Concilii Tridentini
The commission of the Council of Trent
A catechism written for parish priests rather than children, expounding the creed, sacraments, commandments, and Lord's Prayer at length.
1601–1700
1 work
1647
English
The Westminster Assembly
A hundred and seven questions and answers, opening with the chief end of man: to glorify God and to enjoy him for ever.
8 of 1693 works