Some of the world’s most celebrated beers are brewed by Trappist monks - individuals whose primary vocation is not brewing, but living in community, serving others, and worshiping God. This talk explores how the distinctive spirituality of Trappist monastic life shapes the beers produced within abbey walls. Rather than being merely the result of centuries of technical refinement, the excellence of Trappist beer emerges from a way of life rooted in theological and ethical commitments.

Drawing on themes such as caritas (charitable love), the understanding of labor as integral to the dignity of the human person, and a deep commitment to caring for creation, this presentation from Marty Tomszak examines how these values inform both the process and purpose of Trappist brewing. The result is a beverage that reflects not only technical mastery but also a spiritual vision of work and community.

At the same time, Trappist brewing communities are often misunderstood. Religious pilgrims who travel to abbeys may appreciate the beer but overlook the technical and vocational dimensions of monastic life that make its production possible. Meanwhile, many beer enthusiasts eagerly seek out these highly regarded brews without considering the religious and philosophical framework that distinguishes them. This lecture seeks to bridge these perspectives, illuminating the relationship between theology, everyday practices of enjoying beer, and the monastic vocation that brings these traditions together.

Marty Tomszak is a Lecturer in Religious Studies at Valparaiso University, where he teaches courses in religion, theology, and liberationist ethics. His research explores the intersections of theology, continental philosophy, and radical forms of community life. He is the recipient of a Visiting Researcher Grant from the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, which supported the development of his recently released monograph, Time, Silence, and Yeast: A Song of Appreciation for Trappist Communities and Their Beer (Cascade Books).

Beyond his academic work, Tomszak integrates theory and practice through a range of community initiatives. He serves as director of the Fire for Food Drive, a partnership with the Chicago Fire Soccer Club that works to address food insecurity in Chicago. His teaching frequently incorporates experiential learning through collaborations with Catholic Worker communities in the Chicagoland area, and he is actively involved in mutual aid initiatives on Chicago’s North Side. Outside the classroom, he can occasionally be found behind the bar at Off Color Brewing.