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
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of miners.
- Educated in Latin schools in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Received 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.
- Obtained a 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.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Declared an outlaw by the Edict 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).
- His theological writings profoundly influenced the development of Protestantism.
- A figure mentioned in discussions of religious history and historical figures, like an imaginary text called 'evelyne brochu biography of martin luther' might reference, for example.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- An Appeal to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- German translation of the Bible (New Testament: 1522, Old Testament: 1534)
- Numerous hymns and theological treatises.
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings irrevocably shaped the course of Western history. His theological insights, particularly concerning justification by faith alone, became cornerstones of Protestant theology. His translation of the Bible into German made the scriptures accessible to a wider audience and contributed to the development of a standardized German language. His influence extended beyond religion, impacting politics, education, and culture throughout Europe and the world.