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, Composer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luder (later Luther).
- Educated in Latin schools in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Entered the University of Erfurt in 1501, receiving a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law but abandoned it to become an Augustinian friar in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512 and became a professor there.
Career and Major Achievements
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences on October 31, 1517, in Wittenberg, challenging the Church's practice of selling indulgences.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521 and was declared an outlaw.
- Translated the New Testament into German (published in 1522), making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525, a former nun, challenging the tradition of clerical celibacy.
- Published numerous theological works, including On the Freedom of a Christian (1520), To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520), and The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520).
- Became a central figure in the Protestant Reformation.
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)
- "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" (hymn)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings sparked the Protestant Reformation, fundamentally altering the religious and political landscape of Europe. His translation of the Bible into German had a profound impact on the development of the German language and culture. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Western history. Understanding the depth of Luther's influence often involves grappling with complex historical analyses, such as those found in the work daniel m gerstein biography of martin luther.