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Period: Jan 1, 1512 to Dec 31, 1525
Martin Luther's involvement in the Protestant Reformation
The timeline outlines Martin Luther's involvment in the Protestant Reforamtion. -
Oct 19, 1512
Doctor of theology
Martin Luther was awarded his Doctor of Theology at the university of Wittenburg after teaching for 3-4 years. -
Oct 21, 1512
Doctor in Bible
Shortly after being awarded his doctor of theology, Martin Luther was received into the senate of the theological faculty. He was called the "Doctor in Bible" and conitinued teaching at the university of Witttenburg. -
Jul 1, 1514
Becoming a Priest
At age 30, Martin Luther becomes priest for Wittenberg's city church in addition to his other duties at the university. -
Oct 31, 1517
The 95 Theses
Martin Luther was angered by the sales of indlugences and protested by writing 95 Theses. He hung it on the church door in Wittenburg, so that they could disscuss the matter. He also wrote it in German so that the public could read and understand it. Indulgence: A certificate pre-signed by the pope that pardoned all sins, giving someone a free access to heaven. -
Aug 5, 1518
Martin Luther a heretic!
Emporor Maximillion, son and successor of Hoy Roman Emperor Frederick III, denounces Martin Luther as a heretic. Heretic: A professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church. -
Dec 10, 1520
Burning papal documents
In protest, Martin Luther burnt the Exsurge Domine and other papal documents under a large oak (now known as Luther oak) outside the walls of the city in Wittenburg. He also burnt books of the church law and books written by his enemies. -
Apr 17, 1521
First hearing of the Diet of Worms
The first hearing of the Diet of Worms begins. An official of Trier points to a table of books and asks Luther if he is willing to recant. Luther sees that some of the books are his writings on Scripture. Martin Luther refuses to recant and he asks for a recess. -
Apr 18, 1521
Second hearing of the Diet of Worms
During the second hearing of the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther says, "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason-- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other-- my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me." He did not recant and the following day the emperor sides with rome and allows Luther a few more days to recant. -
May 4, 1521
Returning from Worms
After the dismissal of the Diet of Worms, on April 25th, on his way home from Worms, Martin Luther is captured by "bandits". Although, Luther knew about the capture beforehand. Martin Luther is taken safely into Wartburg, where the ruse allows Frederick to escape charges of harboring a heretic. -
May 26, 1521
Ban of the Empire
Edict of Worms is signed by the emperor and issued. It formally condemns Luther's teachings and places him under the ban of the Empire. -
Sep 21, 1522
Translation of the Bible
Martin Luther publishes the New Testament of the bible in German. It is a major event that Luther has done, as it allows the public to read the bible instead of listening to the priests read it in Latin. It confirms the fact the priests have been reading the bible correctly, not teaching them the wrong beliefs. Luther also included in his introduction to the book of Romans, a classic definition of faith. -
Dec 25, 1525
German Mass
Martin Luther starts using the german mass. This makes it more convinient and allows the public to clearly understand the messages from God.