Martin Luther

Birth

Nov 10, 1483

Martin Luther was born to a peasent family in Eisleben in the Holy Roman Empire, which is today part of eastern Germany. He was born to Hans and Magarete (Lindemann) Luther. Hans was a successful miner and smelter and moved the family to Mansfeld which was a larger mining town. He was one of four sons, two of which died during plague outbreaks.

Entered the University of Erfurt

Jan 1, 1501

Martin Luther entered the University of Erfurt

Received his Bachelor's degree

Jan 1, 1502

Martin Luther received his Bachelor's degree after just one year.

Received his Master's degree

Jan 1, 1505

Three years after recieving his Bachelor's degree, and four years after entering the University, Martin Luther received his Master's degree

Luther becomes a Monk

Jun 1, 1505

According to his father's wishes, Martin enrolled in the law school of that university. That changed during a thunderstorm in the summer of 1505. A lightening bolt struck near to him as he was returning to school. Terrified, he cried out, "Help, St. Anne! I'll become a monk!" Spared of his life, but regretting his plea, Luther kept his word, dropped out of law school and entered the monastery there.

Ordained to the Priesthood

Jan 1, 1507

Martin Luther was ordained to the priesthood in 1507.

Began teaching Theology

Jan 1, 1508

In 1508 Martin Luther began teaching theology at the University of Wittenberg.

Earned Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies

Mar 9, 1508

Luther earned his Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies.

Becomes Doctor of Theology

Oct 19, 1512

The University of Wittenberg conferred upon Martin Luther the degree of Doctor of Theology

Luther Changes History

Oct 31, 1517

Luther changed the course of human history when he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door at Wittenberg, accusing the Roman Catholic church of heresy upon heresy. Many people cite this act as the primary starting point of the Protestant Reformation. Before long, Luther’s 95 Theses of Contention had been copied and published all over Europe.

Luther's views Condemned

Jan 1, 1520

Luther's Protestant views were condemned as heretical by Pope Leo X in the bull Exsurge Domine.

Diet of Worms

Apr 17, 1521

Luther was summoned to either renounce or reaffirm them at the Diet of Worms. When he appeared before the assembly, Johann von Eck, by then assistant to the Archbishop of Trier, acted as spokesman for Emperor Charles the Fifth. He presented Luther with a table filled with copies of his writings. Eck asked Luther if he still believed what these works taught. He requested time to think about his answer.

Declared an Outlaw

May 25, 1521

The Emperor issued his Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther an outlaw.

Luther leaves the Monastery

Jan 1, 1524

In 1524, Luther left the monastery.

Luther Marries

Jan 1, 1525

In 1525, he married Katharina von Bora.

Death

Feb 18, 1546

Martin Luther escaped martyrdom, and died of natural causes. His last written words were, "Know that no one can have indulged in the Holy Writers sufficiently, unless he has governed churches for a hundred years with the prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, John the Baptist, Christ and the apostles... We are beggars: this is true."