Martin Luther
German theologian and former Augustinian friar (1483–1546); the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation.
At a glance
Main ideas
Justification by faith, Scripture alone, Against indulgences …
See all 5Books to start with
Ninety-five Theses, On the Freedom of a Christian, On the Bondage of the Will …
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Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Luther was a German priest, theologian, author, hymnwriter and professor, and the seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation.
- He rejected the Catholic Church's teaching on indulgences and papal authority, starting with his Ninety-five Theses in 1517.
- Pope Leo X excommunicated him in 1521, and the emperor Charles V declared him an outlaw at the Diet of Worms.
- His German Bible made scripture far more accessible to lay people.
- In later life he wrote against the Jews with venom, calling for their expulsion and the burning of synagogues.
Why it matters
- His theology is the basis of Lutheranism, and he is considered one of the most influential figures in Western and Christian history.
Key facts
- Born
- 10 Nov 1483, Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, Holy Roman Empire1
- Died
- 18 Feb 1546, Eisleben, aged 621
- Education
- University of Erfurt, master's degree in 15051
- Ordained
- 15071
- Excommunicated
- 3 Jan 1521, by the bull Decet Romanum Pontificem1
- Married
- Katharina von Bora, a former nun, 13 Jun 15251
- Bible
- Translated the New Testament into German at Wartburg Castle in 1521; the full German Bible appeared in 15341
Main ideas
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Justification by faith1
Salvation is not earned by any human act but received as God's free gift through faith in Jesus.
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Scripture alone1
The Bible is the only source of divinely revealed knowledge, above popes and councils.
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Against indulgences1
The Ninety-five Theses opened a debate on the sale of indulgences and papal power.
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Christian freedom2
A Christian is "the most free lord of all, subject to none" and the "most dutiful servant of all".
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Clerical marriage1
His marriage set a model that allowed Protestant clergy to marry.
Books to start with
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Ninety-five Theses1
The start of the debate over indulgences.
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On the Freedom of a Christian2
Christian liberty and justification by faith.
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On the Bondage of the Will1
A reply to Erasmus's On Free Will.
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Large and Small Catechisms1
The basics of the faith for pastors and for congregations.
Connections
Links
Sources
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