Luther on catechsis

Is catechesis valuable today, or is it an antiquated relic? Should we care about it? What is "catechesis" anyway?

My interest in catechesis has grown for several years. I asked a pastor several years ago about it, suggesting the use of a catechism - any good catechism - in place of what was (or was not) being taught in Sunday school. His answer: "Sure, catechism would be good, and I'm glad you are doing it at home, but people here would not be interested."

After reading through a few catechisms, I am leading my family through the Heidelberg Catechism, to much benefit. 

This article in Modern Reformation magazine came to my attention; it quotes Martin Luther on the need for sound instruction in doctrine (basically the definition of "catechesis"). Amazing - five centuries removed, and still the same, valid concerns! 

 Given the statistics we regularly encounter, Luther's description of the desperate need for serious doctrinal instruction (catechesis) in his day sounds eerily relevant. In the preface to his Small Catechism, the Reformer explains,

'The deplorable, miserable condition which I discovered lately when I, too, was a visitor, has forced and urged me to prepare [publish] this Catechism, or Christian doctrine, in this small, plain, simple form. Mercy! Good God! what manifold misery I beheld! The common people, especially in the villages, have no knowledge whatever of Christian doctrine, and, alas! many pastors are altogether incapable and incompetent to teach. Nevertheless, all maintain that they are Christians, have been baptized and receive the holy Sacraments. Yet they do not understand and cannot even recite either the Lord's Prayer, or the Creed, or the Ten Commandments; they live like dumb brutes and irrational hogs; and yet, now that the Gospel has come, they have nicely learned to abuse all liberty like experts.… O ye bishops! to whom this charge has been committed by God, what will ye ever answer to Christ for having so shamefully neglected the people and never for a moment discharged your office?... 

Therefore look to it, ye pastors and preachers. Our office is now become a different thing from what it was under the Pope; it is now become serious and salutary. Accordingly, it now involves much more trouble and labor, danger and trials, and, in addition thereto, little reward and gratitude in the world. But Christ Himself will be our reward if we labor faithfully. To this end may the Father of all grace help us, to whom be praise and thanks forever through Christ, our Lord! Amen.'

Source:  Modern Reformation