Martin Luther (l. 1483-1546) was a German priest, monk, and theologian who became the central figure of the religious and cultural movement known as the Protestant Reformation. Even though earlier reformers had expressed Luther's views, his charismatic personality and efficient use of the printing press encouraged widespread acceptance of his vision of Christianity.
More about: Martin LutherDefinition
Timeline
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1483 - 1546Life of German priest, theologian, and reformer Martin Luther.
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1501Martin Luther enters the University of Erfurt, studying law, but switches to philosophy.
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1505Martin Luther drops out of university to become a monk after making a vow to Saint Anne to save him during a storm.
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1512Martin Luther receives his doctorate in theology and is a member of the faculty of the University at Wittenberg.
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c. 1513Martin Luther is inspired by scripture to claim that faith, not works, justifies one for salvation.
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31 Oct 1517 - 1517Luther posts his 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Church.
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1521Martin Luther is excommunicated as a heretic by the Church.
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18 Apr 1521Martin Luther refuses to recant at the Diet of Worms, is branded an outlaw.
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c. 1524The Dutch Renaissance scholar Desiderius Erasmus publishes his De Libero Animo, an argument on free will directed against Martin Luther.
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1525Martin Luther is married to former nun Katharina von Bora.
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1534Martin Luther publishes the complete Bible in German which becomes a best-seller.
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1546Martin Luther dies of a stroke at his hometown of Eisleben.
