Publisher's Synopsis
Herein contains a translation of the "Heidelberger Katechismus - Catechismus Oder Christlicher Vnderricht, wie der in Kirchen vnd Schulen der Churfürstlichen Pfaltz getrieben wirdt" as is it was composed under the godly Elector Frederick III in 1563 by two theologians in their late twenties; 28 year old, Zacharias Ursinus (1534-1583), professor of theology at the Heidelberg University and 26 year old, Caspar Olevianus (1536-1587) preacher to the Elector.
Patterned after the structure of the book of Romans, each part of the catechism merits a translation which desires proximity to the flow of Paul's language in Scripture and the trinitarian treasures of the Nicaea and Chalcedon. There are thus, rare but occasional added parenthetical translations of important concepts or words, so that the modern reader might not stumble over either ancient or post-reformation language and dogma.
The translator is a candidate for doctoral promotion in the Faculty of Theology at the University of Heidelberg itself. This translation was undertaken with great pleasure for the sake of modern readership and the furthering of Gospel witness and formation, the thought of which overshadowed any difficulty in translating such a text. I have sought to make the message of the catechism as clear as the language and pray that it will be of spiritual profit for all who are willing to receive its comfort.
