Martin Luther

Luther is Born

1483

Luther is born in Eisleben. During this time the Black Plague is charging through Europe and the Church is a benevolent but corrupt force

Luther receives his Education

1502

Luther receives his baccalaureate degree in liberal arts and following his father's wishes, starts studying law to become a lawyer.

Luther devotes himself to God

1505

After getting caught in a thunderstorm, Luther has an awakening and takes charge of his own life. He becomes a member of a strict St. Augustine monastery.

Luther in Rome

1510

Luther makes a pilgrimage to Rome. He is shocked by the corruption in the Church. He gains a cynical outlook on the organization.

Luther and Theology

1512

Luther received his doctorate in Theology and begins teaching the Bible under the Augustinian order.

Luther Studies the Bible

1514

Luther begins translating the Bible and realizes that all that is needed is a relation between person and God in Christianity. (1513-1516)

The 95 Theses

1517

Enraged by the sale of Indulgences by Johann Tetzel, Luther writes a series of criticisms against the Church.

The Spread of the Theses

1517

The 95 Theses begins to spread rapidly through the use of the Printing Press. Debates are sparked throughout Europe.

Luther, Cajetan, and Eck

1519

Luther participates at a debate. Eck tricks Luther into admitting his thoughts are similar to heresy and public approval of Luther sinks.

Further Criticisms

1520

A committee was held to examine Luther’s teachings and they concluded his actions were heretical. They order him to recall his words.

Luther's Response

1520

Luther hears about this bull and cancels his classes one morning to burn the criticism he is receiving.

Threats of Excommunication

1521

Luther was officially declared a heretic with "Decet Romanum Pontificem" but law declares that he have a trial before punishment.

Diet of Worms

1521

Luther is put through a complicated trial and refuses to renounce his words. He is excommunicated and goes into hiding,

Luther Returns to Wittenberg

1522

After almost a year in hiding and translating the Bible into German Vernacular, Luther returns home where he spends most of his time reforming the city's church.