Martin Luther
- Born:
- November 10, 1483, Eisleben, Holy Roman Empire
- Died:
- February 18, 1546, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire
- Nationality:
- German
- Profession(s):
- Theologian, Professor, Pastor, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born into a family of miners in Eisleben.
- Received a rigorous Latin education in Magdeburg and Eisenach.
- Entered the University of Erfurt in 1501, initially studying law.
- Experienced a profound spiritual crisis in 1505, leading him to enter the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt.
- Ordained as a priest in 1507.
- Earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
Career and Major Achievements
- Appointed professor of biblical theology at the University of Wittenberg.
- Published his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, challenging the sale of indulgences and initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms in 1521.
- Excommunicated by Pope Leo X in 1521.
- Translated the New Testament into German, making it accessible to a wider audience.
- Developed key theological doctrines, including justification by faith alone (sola fide) and the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura).
- Supported the development of German hymnody and education.
Notable Works
- Ninety-Five Theses (1517)
- An Open Letter to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation Concerning the Reform of the Christian Estate (1520)
- On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- The German Bible (translation completed in 1534)
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's teachings fundamentally altered the course of Christian history. His challenge to papal authority and his emphasis on individual faith led to the establishment of Protestantism and shaped the religious, political, and cultural landscape of Europe and beyond. The significance of Martin Luther continues to be studied and analyzed, as demonstrated by works like "hartmut jenner biography of martin".
Theological Contributions
| Doctrine | Description |
|---|---|
| Sola Scriptura | The Bible is the sole infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. |
| Sola Fide | Justification is received by faith alone, without any need for good works. |
| Sola Gratia | Salvation comes by God's grace alone, as an unearned gift. |
| Solus Christus | Christ is the only mediator between God and humanity. |
| Soli Deo Gloria | All glory belongs to God alone. |