Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany.¹⁾

He was a German professor of theology, composer, priest, and key figure in the Protestant Reformation.²⁾

Luther's religious beliefs were shaped by his experience during a thunderstorm when he vowed to become a monk if he survived, which led him to join an Augustinian monastery.³⁾

Luther's most famous work, “Ninety-Five Theses,” was a list of arguments against the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences. He posted it on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517.⁴⁾

His act of posting the Ninety-Five Theses is often considered the starting point of the Protestant Reformation.⁵⁾

Luther's ideas challenged the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church, sparking a theological debate that led to significant religious and social changes in Europe.⁶⁾

He translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to the common people and contributing to the development of the German language.⁷⁾

Luther's translation of the Bible played a crucial role in the spread of the Reformation, as it allowed people to read and understand the scriptures without relying on Latin translations.⁸⁾

He believed in “sola scriptura,” the idea that the Bible alone is the ultimate authority in matters of faith and doctrine.⁹⁾

Luther's teachings emphasized salvation through faith alone, “sola fide,” rather than through good works or indulgences.¹⁰⁾

He married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, breaking away from the celibate tradition of the Catholic Church.¹¹⁾

Luther and Katharina had six children and provided a model of marriage for Protestant clergy.¹²⁾

Luther was known for his strong and sometimes controversial rhetoric, including his harsh criticism of the Pope and the Catholic Church.¹³⁾

He wrote numerous hymns, including the famous “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” which became a staple in Protestant worship.¹⁴⁾

Luther's writings greatly influenced the development of modern standard German, as he used the language to communicate his ideas to the wider public.¹⁵⁾

He faced excommunication by Pope Leo X in 1521, following his refusal to recant his views at the Diet of Worms.¹⁶⁾

Luther was declared an outlaw by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, making it dangerous for him to travel without protection.¹⁷⁾

During his time in hiding at Wartburg Castle, Luther translated the New Testament into German in just eleven weeks.¹⁸⁾

His translation of the New Testament was published in September 1522, marking a significant milestone in the spread of the Reformation.¹⁹⁾

Luther's teachings had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe, leading to the formation of various Protestant denominations and changing the balance of power between church and state.²⁰⁾

He argued for the priesthood of all believers, asserting that individuals could have a direct relationship with God without the need for intermediaries.²¹⁾

Luther's influence extended beyond theology; he advocated for education and played a role in the establishment of compulsory education in some German states.²²⁾

His teachings spurred social and political movements, contributing to the Peasants' War of 1524-1525, although Luther distanced himself from the violent aspects of the revolt.²³⁾

Luther had a complex relationship with the Jewish community. While he initially hoped to convert Jews to Christianity, his later writings contained harsh anti-Semitic sentiments.²⁴⁾

Luther's translation of the Bible became a unifying cultural and linguistic force in Germany, helping to establish a sense of national identity.²⁵⁾

He suffered from various health issues throughout his life, including kidney stones, constipation, and heart problems.²⁶⁾

Luther's prolific writings cover a wide range of topics, including theology, ethics, politics, and the relationship between church and state.²⁷⁾

He supported the idea of a just war in certain circumstances, contributing to the development of the concept of “just war theory.”²⁸⁾

Luther's influence spread beyond Germany; his ideas were instrumental in the formation of Protestant churches in Scandinavia, England, and other parts of Europe.²⁹⁾

He believed in the importance of music in worship and composed hymns that integrated theology and melody.³⁰⁾

Luther's views on the sacraments differed from those of the Catholic Church; he affirmed only two sacraments, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.³¹⁾

He encouraged the use of vernacular languages in worship services, making religious practices more accessible to the common people.³²⁾

Luther's writings were widely disseminated thanks to the advent of the printing press, which played a crucial role in the success of the Reformation.³³⁾

He engaged in theological debates with other reformers, such as Ulrich Zwingli and John Calvin, over differences in interpretation of scripture.³⁴⁾

Luther's health deteriorated in his later years, and he died on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, the same town where he was born.³⁵⁾

His death did not mark the end of the Reformation; his ideas continued to shape Protestant thought and theology for centuries to come.³⁶⁾

Luther's legacy includes the Lutheran tradition, which remains one of the largest Protestant denominations in the world.³⁷⁾

He is commemorated annually on October 31, known as Reformation Day, in honor of his pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation.³⁸⁾

Luther's life story has been depicted in various biographies, films, and historical novels, contributing to his enduring cultural impact.³⁹⁾

His writings continue to be studied by theologians, historians, and scholars, influencing discussions about religious freedom, authority, and faith.⁴⁰⁾

Luther's insistence on the authority of scripture contributed to the development of principles that later influenced democratic governance and individual rights. ⁴¹⁾

The term “Protestant” originated from the 1529 Protestation at Speyer, where German Lutheran princes protested against anti-Reformation measures.⁴²⁾

Luther's views on marriage and family life challenged the celibate traditions of the Catholic Church and contributed to the reevaluation of these norms.⁴³⁾

Luther's impact extended beyond religious boundaries; his ideas contributed to the development of Enlightenment thought and the questioning of traditional authority structures.⁴⁴⁾