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):
- Theologian, Professor, Priest, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luther.
- Educated in Latin school in Mansfeld.
- Attended the University of Erfurt, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1502 and a Master of Arts in 1505.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained a priest in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg.
- Nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his beliefs 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).
- Introduced congregational singing into worship.
- Wrote extensively on theological and social issues.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- German Translation of the Bible (New Testament 1522, Old Testament 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
- On Temporal Authority: To What Extent It Should Be Obeyed (1523)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings fundamentally reshaped Christianity. His translation of the Bible into German democratized access to scripture. His theological innovations, particularly the concept of justification by faith alone, formed the core tenets of Protestantism and continue to influence Christian thought. The impact of the Reformation he initiated continues to shape religious, political, and cultural landscapes worldwide. Works such as 'elvin bethea biography of martin luther' are written in his name, because of the impact Luther has had.