Somewhere in my study I have a Lutheran "RCIA" program with the catechesis thing, the "steps" that parallel the early Church's program for preparing the catechumens. I heard it was a joint AF/CPH program, but AF ended up publishing it (P. McCain, any truth behind that rumor?)
Dave, that was before my time at CPH. It might be true. I honestly don't know. I was disappointed that it didn't really come to fruition as was hoped for. I entirely agree with the rest of your post. The problem is that whereas many pastors prefer to use a set curriculum for junior confirmation, there is a great deal of diversity when it comes to adult catechesis. But it seems to me the need for some help is perhaps greatest with adults, who, precisely as you say, are more and more coming to our congregations as "functionally illiterate" when it comes to Christianity, if not wholly illiterate. My wife and I mentored a new member through classes at our church and she had never opened a Bible before, didn't even know where to begin, had not a single clue about it. That's how basic things have to be when we start.
I would very much be in favor of a Lutheran version of the RCIA that had very good substance. Like I said, this is my understanding of where things kind of fell down with that project previously: too much emphasis on the rituals, and not enough on the content. I think the Large Catechism would be a tremendously helpful core curriculum.
I do not agree that we are not capable of doing it, just don't know enough about it, collectively.
An inspiring text for everyone to read who wants to be serious about adult catechesis is William Harmless book
Augustine and The Catechumenate. Harmless is an exciting and engaging speaker, who loves to recite Augstine's Latin to help listeners catch the flavor of how powerful an orator he was, the master of words and teaching.
You can buy it from Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Augustine-Catechumenate-William-Harmless/dp/0814661327/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-1965746-9567332?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1194725823&sr=8-1
