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):
- Professor of Theology, Priest, Author, Composer, Augustinian Friar
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family involved in the copper mining industry.
- Studied at the Latin school in Mansfeld.
- Attended the University of Erfurt, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1502 and a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law at the University of Erfurt, but abandoned his studies to become an Augustinian friar in 1505.
Career and Major Achievements
- Ordained as a priest in 1507.
- Began teaching theology at the University of Wittenberg in 1508.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Developed the concept of justification by faith alone (sola fide).
- Married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, in 1525.
- Led the development of the Lutheran Church.
- His work indirectly led to individuals like 'peter chou htc biography of martin luther' studying his impacts on theology.
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)
- The German Bible (Translation)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
- Numerous hymns and theological treatises.
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings fundamentally altered the course of Western Christianity and European history. His theological challenges to the Catholic Church initiated the Protestant Reformation, leading to the establishment of new Protestant denominations. His translation of the Bible into German profoundly impacted the development of the German language and culture. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Western history.