When Martin Luther, on October 31, 1517, posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, his action helped begin the Reformation, with its remarkable people, ideas and events that decisively affected Christianity and, ultimately, world history.
Wittenberg University hosted the following events in 2017 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, to help us understand this movement’s impact and continuing legacy. Thanks to all who contributed to or attended these events. If you have questions about the events or would like further information about them, contact Rev. Anders Tune at atune@wittenberg.edu.
“Here I Stand”: Martin Luther, the Reformation, and its Consequences: A Poster Exhibition
This exhibition is printed from digital sources provided by the State Office for Heritage Management and Archaeology, of the Saxony-Anhalt-State Museum of Prehistory, in Halle, Germany. The same images were used in the fall of 2016 in exhibitions at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City, and the Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Atlanta.
- Friday, September 15, 4:30 p.m., Thomas Library, presentation and reception
The exhibition in its entirety will be up through Friday, September 29
“Music is a Gift and Grace of God”: A Recital and Lecture at the Organ on Music from the Lutheran Reformation
Dr. David Crean, University Organist and Instructor in the Music Department
- Tuesday, October 3, 7:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel
"This Is Most Certainly True": Performance by Wittenberg Symphonic Band
Wittenberg Symphonic Band, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Brandon Jones
Wittenberg was part of a consortium of 26 Lutheran colleges and universities to commission composer James Stephenson to compose a work commemorating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The Wittenberg Symphonic Band will give the Ohio premiere of the piece.
- Friday, October 6, 7:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel
The Reformation in Print: Publications and Medals from the Thomas Library Collection
Suzanne Smailes, Head of Technical Services and Associate Professor in Thomas Library
- Wednesday, October 11, 6:30 p.m., Thomas Library
Kenneth H. Sauer Luther Symposium
“Neither Safe nor Right to Go Against Conscience”: Martin Luther and Argula von Grumbach on Freedom of Conscience
Dr. Joy Schroeder, Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University
Dr. Schroeder, Bergener Chair in Theology and Religion at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and Capital University, will examine a key issue in the early Reformation, the freedom of conscience, as understood by Luther and by Argula von Grumbach, a Bavarian noblewoman and educator influenced by Luther’s ideas.
- Wednesday, October 25, 7:30 p.m., Bayley Auditorium
Festival Choral Service to Commemorate the Reformation
This service commemorates the Reformation on its 500th anniversary, and thanks God in word, prayer and song for the reconciliation in the Gospel that is occurring among Lutherans, Catholics and other Christians in the one, universal Church. The service will include the participation of both Catholic and Lutheran clergy, and laypersons of a variety of Christian traditions.
- Sunday, October 29, 7:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel
“The Entire Life of Believers is One of Repentance”: A “Re-enactment” of the Posting of the Ninety-five Theses
This “re-enactment” of Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-five Theses will consider the significance of the event for us today.
- Tuesday, October 31, 11:30 a.m., Weaver Chapel front plaza
Wittenberg Choir Reunion Concert
- Saturday, November 11, 5:30 p.m., Weaver Chapel