Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Electorate of Saxony, 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 Luder and Margarethe Lindemann.
- Studied at the Latin school in Mansfeld.
- Received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1502 and a Master of Arts degree in 1505 from the University of Erfurt.
- Began studying law at the University of Erfurt but abandoned it.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of biblical theology at the University of Wittenberg from 1512 until his death.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the All Saints' Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Summoned to the Diet of Worms in 1521 and refused to recant his writings.
- Declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.
- Translated the New Testament into German (published in 1522).
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Translated the Old Testament into German (completed in 1534).
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to a major division within Christianity and a reshaping of European society and politics. His translation of the Bible into German standardized the language and made scripture accessible to the common people. His theological ideas continue to influence Protestant denominations worldwide.
One might even consider how the impact of figures like Martin Luther is interpreted and applied across different contexts, exemplified by the discussion surrounding 'lula da silva biography of martin luther' and its potential relevance to understanding leadership and reform in modern society.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation Concerning the Reform of the Christian Estate (1520)
- The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- De Servo Arbitrio (The Bondage of the Will) (1525)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
- Luther's German Bible (translation completed 1534)