Martin Luther's 95 Theses with Introduction, Commentary, and Study Guide

by Timothy J. Wengert

By almost any reckoning, the Ninety-Five Theses ranks as the most important text of the Reformation, if not in substance at least in impact. As the anniversary of their posting on the church door in Wittenberg approaches, what better way to remember and recognize the occasion than to make this important text more easily understood by twenty-first-century readers?Timothy J. Wengert, one of the best-know interpreters of Luther and Lutheranism active today, sets his newly translated Ninety-Five Theses in its historical context with a detailed introduction and illuminating study notes. To help the reader understand the context and the import of the Ninety-Five Theses more deeply, Wengert provides two more related and essential Luther's Letter to Archbishop Albrecht of Mainz (to which he appended a copy of the Theses) and Luther's 1518 Sermon on Indulgences and Grace (written to inform the German-speaking public of his view of indulgences).

Genres: Theology, Christianity, Christian, History

Paperback

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Timothy J. Wengert (PhD, Duke University) is Ministerium of Pennsylvania Professor, Reformation History, at The Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He has pastored churches in Minnesota and Wisconsin, authored or edited twenty books, and written over one hundred articles.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good introduction to the 95 These, including historical background, Luther's letter to Albert of Mainz -- who is largely the reason the indulgence controversy exploded like it did -- and Luther's Sermon on Indulgences and Grace. Each document includes background info and explanatory footnotes as well -- plus pictures!

Recommended for anyone wanting a concise introduction the text and importance of the 95 Theses.

[E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Timothy Wengert's translation is easy and engaging to read, and his introductions and commentary are informative and helpful. A good refresher as the 500th anniversary of the theses approaches.

My favourite segment was from Luther's 1518 sermon on indulgences, which reveals Luther's fun, fiery pen:

Although some now want to call me a heretic, nevertheless I consider such blathering not big deal, especially since the only ones doing this are some darkened minds, who have never even smelled a Bible, who have never read a Christian teacher, and who do not even understand their own teachers but instead remain stuck with their shaky and close-minded opinions. For if they had understood them, they would have known that they should not defame anyone without a hearing and without refuting them. Still, may God give them and us a right understanding! Amen.

I really enjoy the "who have never even smelled a Bible."

[Corey Ely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

Really enjoyed getting to read these documents along with the succinct overview and examination provided. Highly recommend this book to all

[Manuel Marbun · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second reading of this very good book.

[Kara Neal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written by an ELCA pastor and professor. The introduction is extremely helpful in understanding the historical, cultural, scholastic, and theological setting in which Luther wrote his theses. Some of the theses don't make much sense without knowing this background. The additional footnotes to the theses themselves, Luther's sermon on indulgences for the common people, and his letter to Albrecht, Archbishop of Mainz definitely enhance my understanding of the start of the Reformation. There are some discussion questions at the end that would be great for a Bible class.