Martin Luther Timeline

Martin Luther is born

Nov 10, 1483

Martin Luther is born to Hans and Margaret Luther at Eisleben in Saxony, Germany. On November 11th, he is baptized at the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul

Receives Bachelor's Degree

1502

Luther receives his Bachelor's degree from the University of Erfurt in the 7 Liberal Arts. On his final exams, he places 30th out of 57.

Receives Master's Degree

1505

Luther receives his Master's from Erfurt. Later that year, he is nearly killed in a storm and decides to devote himself to life in the Black Monastery in Erfurt.

Luther Begins Teaching

1512

Earns his Doctor of Theology and starts teaching at the University of Wittenberg. He is admitted to the senate of the theology faculty.

Luther's Teaching Experience

1516

From 1513 to 1516, Luther lectures on the Psalms and the Epistle to the Romans. During this time, he comes to the conclusion that faith alone brings salvation.

The Church Sells Salvation

1517

The RCC begins selling indulgences on the borders of Saxony, causing fewer people to come to confession. Luther finds out about the indulgences and begins to preach against them.

Luther Posts The 95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

Luther posts his complaints of the RCC, the 95 Theses, on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church in an effort to spark debate. He even sent copies to multiple bishops and friends, but his efforts return little response.

The 95 Theses Gain Traction

1519

Luther debates Johann Eck in Leipzig on indulgences and Papal authority. This debate creates buzz around Luther and his theses.

The Inquisition

Jan 9, 1520

The RCC begins their inquisition against Luther for heresy. Luther writes Mediation of Christ's Passion, Treatise on Good Works, and The Papacy in Rome.

The Church's Attack On Luther

Jun 15, 1520

Pope Leo issues bull of excommunication against Luther on June 15th. Luther then writes The Babylonian Captivity on October 6th, causing him to irreversibly set himself against Rome. His books are burned in Cologne as well as other cities across Europe. Luther in return publicly burns Pope Leo's bull of excommunication.

Luther Is Excommunicated

Jan 3, 1521

Luther is officially excommunicated in the bull Decet Romanum Pontificem. Emporer Charles V demands Luther to appear before the Diet of Worms. As Luther arrives, a cheering crowd greets him.

The Edict of Worms

May 26, 1521

The emperor takes Rome's side, wanting Luther condemned immediately. The Edict of Worms is signed, condemning Luther's teachings and banning him from the Holy Roman Empire.

Luther Teaches Again

1522

The ban on Luther and his followers is lifted in February. Luther begins preaching throughout Germany. In September, he publishes the German New Testament.