Martin Luther

Martin Luther is Born

Nov 10, 1483

Martin was born to Hans and Margaretha Luder in Eisleben, Saxony (modern Germany). His father had risen to the middle class from the lower class through extremely hard work in the copper industry, and expected the same from his son. His parents pushed him [probably too] hard to continue their family climbing the social ladder, with them pushing him to become a lawyer. The accompanying image is of the house Luther was born in.

Martin Luther's Lifetime

Period: Nov 10, 1483 to Feb 18, 1546

First College Degree

1502

Martin Luther studied at the University of Erfurt, in Germany. In 1502, Luther received his Bachelor's degree in law, although his education was not yet completed. The image shown here is of Erfurt, the town in which Luther was educated.

The Storm

1505

Luther graduated from Erfurt with his Master's degree in law, however he did not enter the field. Luther was caught in a lightning storm, and truly believed that he was going to die, so he exclaimed "Save me, St. Anne, and I’ll become a monk!”, immediately after which the storm stopped, and Luther felt he had to fulfill his promise to God and become a monk.

Dr. Luther

Oct 12, 1513

Having recently earned his doctorate in theology, Luther becomes a professor of theology at the Wittenberg University in Germany. He studies scripture and the Bible very intensely, and learns many things through his studies and his own lectures.

Indulgences of Pope Leo X

Mar 5, 1517

Pope Leo X was having St. Peter's Basilica rebuilt, and the church did not have enough funds to complete the building. He then declared that anyone who donated to the rebuilding of the cathedral would be granted an indulgence, supposedly making it easier and faster for them to get to heaven. As a strict living monk who has seen Rome and its corruption, Luther is extremely unhappy with this. The attached image is of Pope Leo X.

95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to a chapel door. He states 95 problems that he has with the church and how it is being run by Rome. His writing was triggered by the new indulgences being sold by Pope Leo X, supposedly removing many years off of their purgatory for a hefty price.

Interpreting Scripture

Jun 15, 1519

In Leipzig, during the summer of 1519, Luther has a famous debate with theologian Johann Eck, a man who was fiercely loyal to the Pope. Luther debated that men other than the Pope should also be able to interpret scriptures, as he saw the corruption of the papacy, as well as the great minds being silenced. Due to this debate, Luther is condemned as a heretic.

Threat of Excommunication

Jun 15, 1520

The papal bull was sent to Luther, telling him to recant his 95 Theses and other teachings, or else he would be excommunicated. Luther did not seem phased, as he continued teaching and spreading the word.

Burning the Papal Bull

Dec 10, 1520

Martin Luther shows extreme disrespect to the papacy by publicly burning the Papal Bull which threatened him with excommunication. This shows that he truly was courageous in his teaching, even when some thought he would literally be damned for it. He kept teaching after threat of excommunication, showing his passion for the scriptures.

Excommunicated

Jan 3, 1521

Luther is formally excommunicated by Pope Leo X. This shows that the papacy entirely mishandled Luther and that many other potential reformers (not dividers) of the Catholic Church were treated the same way. These potential reformers should have been taken seriously, as it would have kept the church unified, but corruption had overtaken the care for future generations of the papacy.

Diet of Worms

Apr 17, 1521

Luther is called to Worms to appear before an assembly put together by the Holy Roman Emperor. He was expected to have his path there be one of shame, but instead, it was filled with his supporters and his preaching. He did not recant his teachings, as the emperor (and pope), had wanted, and he was declared a heretic.

New Testament to German

Sep 15, 1522

In 1522, Martin Luther translated the bible to the German language and published it. It sold over 5000 copies in the first two months alone. However, it also allowed ordinary people to read and study scripture in Germany, and helped unify German language.