Martin Luther

Begins work as professor of Theology at University of Wittenburg

Jan 1, 1512

Becomes priest of Wittenberg's City Church

Jan 1, 1514

Lecutres on Psalms

Jan 1, 1514

Lectures on Romans

Jan 1, 1515

Lectures on Galatians

Jan 1, 1516

Posts 95 Thesis on the church door

Oct 31, 1517

This is Luther’s first writings of accusation and rebukes of heresy and blasphemy against the powerful Catholic Church and the Pope, Leo X. He stated that the Bible is the central religious authority and that humans may be given salvations by their faith only, and not by their deeds. Thus, they could not be granted salvations by paying money to the priests for their remission of sins. This was the spark that fuelled the beginning of the Protestant Reformation.

Inquisitions on Luther begins in Rome

Jan 1, 1518

As Martin Luther’s letters began spreading viral, the church became more desperate to silence him. In 1518 the inquisition in Rome by the Catholic church began. However, during 1519, the Emperor Maximilian died and the attention to him was turned to finding another emperor.

Inquisition on Luther taken up again

Jan 1, 1520

In 1520, the inquisitions commenced once again, though this time it was more serious. His inquisitions went to the full height where he was excommunicated from the society, the worst punishment the church could give, and was given sixty days to repent his teachings.

Luther burns bull and canon law with students

Dec 10, 1520

Excommunicated in Rome

Jan 3, 1521

Luther reacted strongly and did not go against his teachings. He protested and shamed the church by saying that they have dishonoured the Bible and for that the eternal flames of Hell would consume them. He also said, “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. Amen.” Martin Luther showed his defiance by burning the paper stating his excommunication.

Arrives at Worms

Apr 16, 1521

Departs Worms

Apr 25, 1521

Kidnapped by Frederick, taken to Wartbug Castle

May 4, 1521

On Secular Authority

Jan 1, 1523

The Peasants' War

Jan 1, 1524

Luther’s writings became more and more radical about the people’s freedom and faith of God. They became so strong that many people misunderstood them as human rights instead of religious rights. The peasants, many of the people who misunderstood Luther’s writings, began to realise that they were unfairly given less rights than their masters and the general public. They decided to revolt and fight for more rights. Luther was overwhelmed by the amount of changes he had made to the society.