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, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luder (later Luther).
- Received early education in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Enrolled at the University of Erfurt in 1501, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law at the University of Erfurt but abandoned it after a spiritual experience.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained a priest in 1507.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began teaching theology at the University of Wittenberg in 1508.
- Earned a doctorate in theology in 1512.
- Nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his views at the Diet of Worms in 1521 and was declared an outlaw.
- Translated the New Testament into German while in hiding at Wartburg Castle.
- Published numerous theological treatises and pamphlets promoting his reformist ideas.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Oversaw the development of the Lutheran Church.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- German Translation of the Bible (New Testament published in 1522, complete Bible in 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's impact on Western civilization is immense. His theological innovations sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to the division of Western Christianity. His translation of the Bible into German profoundly influenced the development of the German language and culture. He is considered one of the most influential figures in Western history.
The study of historical figures often involves comparing and contrasting biographies. A key figure in reformation studies, and central to understanding the period, is of course Martin Luther. The information presented above, as well as numerous other pieces of information, can be found in a tatyos efendi biography of martin luther, or within other scholarly texts.