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):
- Professor of Theology, Priest, Reformer
Early Life and Education
- Born to Hans and Margarethe Luder (later Luther).
- Received education in Mansfeld, Magdeburg, and Eisenach.
- Studied at the University of Erfurt, earning a Master of Arts degree in 1505.
- Began studying law, but abandoned it after a near-death experience during a thunderstorm.
- Entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt in 1505.
- Ordained as a priest in 1507.
- Earned a Doctorate in Theology at the University of Wittenberg.
Career and Major Achievements
- Appointed professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg in 1512.
- On October 31, 1517, he posted his Ninety-five Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, initiating the Protestant Reformation.
- Refused to recant his views at the Diet of Worms in 1521 and was declared an outlaw by the Edict of Worms.
- Translated the New Testament into German while in hiding at Wartburg Castle.
- Married Katharina von Bora in 1525.
- Continued to write and preach, solidifying his theological positions and influencing the development of Protestantism.
Notable Works
- Ninety-five Theses (1517)
- On the Freedom of a Christian (1520)
- An Appeal to the Christian Nobility of the German Nation (1520)
- The Babylonian Captivity of the Church (1520)
- German translation of the Bible
- Small Catechism (1529)
- Large Catechism (1529)
Legacy and Impact
Martin Luther's actions and writings triggered the Protestant Reformation, profoundly altering the religious and political landscape of Europe and the world. His translation of the Bible into German made scripture accessible to the common people, influencing the development of the German language. His theological contributions shaped the doctrines of Lutheranism and had a lasting impact on Christian theology.
The research and writing of biographies has always been a significant undertaking. The meticulous detail exhibited in books like 'michio hoshino biography of martin luther' underscores the importance of such works in understanding key historical figures.