Back to School

I have always been a huge fan of Luther and especially of his pastoral advice, especially the comment he made to the effect that no Christian should ever think they have so mastered the ABCs of the faith that they have no need of reading simple things like catechisms.  And it is remarkable that, as age and the cares of the world close in on Christians, so often it is the basic elements and building blocks of the faith that come to the fore.

In this vein, I am delighted to be able to recommend Pierre Marcel's In God's School, translated by Howard Griffith of RTS.  It is a fine read, loosely based around the Heidelberg Catechism and ideal for personal devotions or small group/Sunday School study.   Each lesson contains catechetical questions and answers, suggested Bible readings, and short theological glosses.  It is particularly fine on the importance of the Lord's Supper.  Those familiar with Marcel's works on preaching and on baptism will not be disappointed.