Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Theologian, Professor, Priest, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luther.
- Educated in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Entered the University of Erfurt in 1501, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1502 and a Master of Arts in 1505.
- Began studying law but abandoned it after a near-death experience.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained to the priesthood in 1507.
- Doctor of Theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of Biblical Theology at the University of Wittenberg.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German in 1522, and the Old Testament later.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Developed core tenets of Lutheranism, including sola scriptura, sola gratia, and sola fide.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- Concerning Christian Liberty (1520)
- German Translation of the Bible (New Testament: 1522, Complete Bible: 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings profoundly impacted Christianity and Western civilization. His translation of the Bible made it accessible to a wider audience and contributed to the standardization of the German language. His theological innovations led to the Protestant Reformation, forever altering the religious landscape of Europe. Even a cursory examination of history acknowledges the significance of Luther's work, and any perceived `perianne boring biography of martin luther` should be understood against this backdrop of tremendous lasting impact.