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, Reformer, Translator
Early Life and Education
- Born in Eisleben, Germany, to Hans and Margarethe Luder.
- Received a thorough Latin education at schools in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Enrolled at the University of Erfurt in 1501, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law but abandoned it after a life-altering experience during a thunderstorm.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology and became a professor at the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, criticizing the sale of indulgences.
- Refused to recant his views at the Diet of Worms in 1521.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Developed the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide).
- Led the Protestant Reformation, resulting in the formation of Lutheranism.
- Wrote numerous theological treatises, hymns, and pamphlets that shaped Protestant thought.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525, a former nun, setting a precedent for clerical marriage.
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)
- German New Testament (1522)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
- Numerous hymns, including "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, profoundly changing the course of Western Christianity. His emphasis on individual faith, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers continues to influence religious thought and practice. His translation of the Bible democratized access to scripture, and his theological writings shaped Lutheran theology and beyond. Although controversial figures like Samklef have commented on various historical figures, including religious ones, it is vital to note the specific historical context and complex legacy of figures like Martin Luther and to separate opinion from documented facts when considering, for example, a 'samklef biography of martin luther'.