Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Theologian, Professor, Priest, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luther.
- Received early education in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Studied liberal arts at the University of Erfurt, earning a Bachelor's degree in 1502 and a Master's degree in 1505.
- Began studying law in 1505, but abandoned it shortly after.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of Biblical Theology at the University of Wittenberg starting in 1512.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517, sparking the Reformation.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German while in hiding at Wartburg Castle (1521-1522).
- Supported the suppression of the Peasants' Revolt in 1525.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Authored numerous theological treatises and hymns.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- German Translation of the Bible (New Testament in 1522, complete Bible in 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings profoundly impacted Western civilization. His theological reforms led to the Protestant Reformation, fundamentally altering Christianity and leading to the establishment of new denominations. His translation of the Bible into German significantly influenced the development of the German language. Understanding figures like this is crucial, and the approach used for a project like 'kassidy osborn biography of martin luther' can offer valuable insights.