Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Theologian, Professor, Pastor, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luder.
- Received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Erfurt in 1502.
- Earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Erfurt in 1505.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Received a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of biblical theology at the University of Wittenberg.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his views at the Diet of Worms in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German (published in 1522).
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Translated the Old Testament into German (completed in 1534).
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- Luther's German Bible translation
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to profound religious and political changes in Europe and beyond. His translation of the Bible into German made scripture accessible to common people and influenced the development of the German language. He is considered a pivotal figure in Western history and a founder of Protestantism.
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