The Big Idea
A Thesis is “a central idea or theme.” - Brittanica
Example: Luther’s Heidelberg Disputation of 1518 consisted of 28 Theses.
Theses are helpful for condensing down an issue to its core ideas.
An Epitome is “a brief or miniature form, or summary of a written work.” - Brittanica
- Example: The Formula of Concord has two parts: an Epitome and the Solid Declaration. The Epitome is the core summary of what is treated at length in the Solid Declaration.
- Epitomes are helpful as one step more zoomed out than a thesis. Rather than just short thesis statements listed. An Epitome helps show the relationships between theses and the general shape of the issue.