Luther never leaves the catechesis of ancient teaching and Fathers of the Church, but he also has to defend his case for Sola Scriptura. Luther is more concerned with a plain and simple, fair and square catechism that might function liturgically. Scripture alone is the postulation for Luther's catechesis. The simplicity of the catechism has to secure an entry point for those outside of th e Church and, at the same time, be designed to educate people through the liturgy. Thus, catechesis remained the basis for every educational activity in the Church. Catechesis meets an unbeliever at the font and accompanies him as the saint through his life's journey; being a vehicle for the means of Grace, leading to repentance and confession of sins. .
That is why both Arand and Harmless emphasize the importance of catechesis as it reaches out to the hearer. Comprehensive teaching is not just a nice feature in order to make the instruction more attractive, but a very important characteristic of a classical catechetical interaction. The audience of Gospel proclaiming catechesis is potentially all humanity. Accordingly, catechesis should be approachable and comprehensive by both student and teacher. Augustine always adapts his sermons to the audience, as well as to the major theological issues of that time. He is ingenious in his use of rhetoric and rules of public speech of his time. One of the important rules of Augustine's catechesis is not to overwhelm listeners with dry theology, but, rather, use genuine scriptural exegesis and apply it to the everyday edification of the people. .
According to Luther, the use of the catechism should be familiar to every Christian in the fellowship. Personal advancement in applied rhetoric and teaching skills is not crucial to Luther at all. He views his catechesis as a device to learn theology for both clergy and laity alike. The catechism becomes a real Church' book, which provides instructions for pastoral care in everyday life.
