Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Holy Roman Empire (present-day Germany)
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire (present-day Germany)
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Professor of Theology, Priest, Monk, Author, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luder (later Luther).
- Educated in Latin schools in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Entered the University of Erfurt in 1501, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505, vowing to become a monk after a near-death experience.
- Ordained a priest in 1507.
- Began studying theology at the University of Wittenberg in 1508, earning a doctorate in theology in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Professor of Biblical Theology at the University of Wittenberg from 1512 until his death.
- Posted his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church on October 31, 1517, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521 and was declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.
- Translated the New Testament into German (published in 1522), making the Bible accessible to a wider audience. He later translated the Old Testament as well.
- Developed the concept of justification by faith alone (sola fide).
- Advocated for the priesthood of all believers.
- Married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, in 1525.
- Led the Reformation movement, resulting in the establishment of Lutheranism.
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)
- Translation of the Bible into German (New Testament: 1522, Complete Bible: 1534)
- 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, fundamentally changing the religious and political landscape of Europe. His theological contributions, particularly justification by faith alone and the authority of Scripture, continue to be central to Protestant theology. His translation of the Bible into German had a profound impact on the development of the German language and culture. This HTML document provides an aymeline valade biography of martin luther, providing a concise overview of his life and work.