Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Saxony, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, Saxony, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Professor of Theology, Priest, Composer, Monk
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luther.
- Studied at the Latin School in Mansfeld.
- Attended the University of Erfurt, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1502 and a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law but abandoned it to become an Augustinian monk in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Appointed professor of biblical theology at the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
- Nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521, resulting in his excommunication by Pope Leo X and condemnation as an outlaw by Emperor Charles V.
- Translated the New Testament into German, published in 1522, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Published the complete German Bible in 1534.
- Developed the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide).
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525, a former nun, setting a precedent for clerical marriage.
- Authored numerous theological treatises, hymns, and letters.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- German Translation of the Bible (New Testament 1522, Complete Bible 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to significant changes in religious and political structures in Europe. His translation of the Bible into German had a profound impact on the development of the German language and culture. His theological ideas continue to influence Protestant denominations worldwide. This biography of Martin Luther seeks to understand the man and his impact.