Episode 2 – Grace on Tap – 95 Theses

95 Theses

In this episode Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss the context for the 95 Theses that Martin Luther shared with the church on October 31, 1517.

Resources that were helpful to us in the production of this episode include:

• Wengert and Leppin in Lutheran Quarterly present an article about whether the 95 Theses were actually posted on the Castle Church doors or not.
• Kurt Aland’s book Martin Luther’s 95 Theses.
• Luther’s Work, Volume 31 (Career of the Reformer I)

Since 1858 the Castle Church doors in Wittenberg have the 95 Theses engraved on them. The commemorative bronze doors were produced by order of Frederick William IV of Prussia.

In this episode we note that one painting of the posting of the 95 Theses has Luther posting the Theses on the Commemorative Doors from 1858, which already have the theses engraved in bronze.

Featured Beer

The featured beer in this episode is Short’s Kölsch 45. Here is the description from the brewer’s website:

“Kölsch 45 is a unique warm fermented ale, that is aged like most traditional German Lagers at a cool temperature. Though light in body and color, its prominent hoppiness and radiant yellow “straw” color set it apart. The sustaining head retains prominent, pleasant aromas which aid in the crisp, refreshing nature of this beer. Hop bitterness is present, but not overwhelming.”