Luther's Rise and Break from Catholic Church

Becoming a Monk

1505

Luther was formerly a law student before he became a religious figure. Caught in a storm one night, Luther said he would become a monk if St. Anne saved him, and he was saved from the storm.

Praise of Folly

1509

A satirical book written by Erasmus mocking the Catholic church and their ritualism. This opened the door to the questioning of Catholicism and set the path for Luther's actions.

Sola Fide(faith alone)

1513

After being a monk for some time Luther finally got the enlightenment he was searching for. The Catholic belief of salvation was faith in Jesus and good works; Luther believed, and back up his claim with the Bible, that the key to salvation is by faith alone.

95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

The 95 Theses was a a list of Luther's complaints against the Catholic church. They were nailed to the door of Lutherstadt Wittenberg's Castle Church. This document got major publicity and thousands of copies were made and spread throughout Germany. Recognized as birth of Protestant Church.

Declaration Against Pope's Authority

1519

Luther publicly declared nowhere in the Bible is it said that the pope has the sole authority to interpret the Bible. Popes of that day were usually members of powerful families and had no divine calling to power.

Excommunication

1521

Pope Leo X excommunicated Luther from Catholic church meaning he was officially banned from participating in Catholic rituals and ceremonies.

Translating the Bible

1521

Luther was headed back to Wittenburg after the Diet of Worms when he was "kidnapped" and to Wartburg Castle near Eisenach. During his time there he translated the Latin Bible into German. This gave the opportunity for commoners to be able to read and interpret the Bible for themselves instead of having the trust the word of educated people.

Diet of Worms

May 8, 1521

After excommunication, Luther appeared before the diet of Worms(assembly in city of Worms) to be given the chance to recant his beliefs and writings. He refused; "I neither can nor will recant". He was pronounced a heretic and outlaw.

Birth of Lutheranism

1522

Luther returns to Wittenberg and begins to establish his new church, Lutheranism. Many people joined and followed him, including princes, whom he supported heavily. He also created many hymns

The Large Catechism

1529

Luther publishes this book which explained the theology of Christianity. Link text