Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) is widely considered to be one of the leading proponents of the Protestant Reformation. Luther first garnered popular recognition when he published a document of 95 theses protesting the use and sale of indulgences within the Catholic Church in October of 1517. In many respects, this document marked the launch of the Reformation throughout Europe. Luther was ordained as a monk in 1507 following a dramatic, near-death experience two years prior. He was a prolific writer and speaker and engaged in several disputes against leading Catholic Scholars of the time. He argued for the supremacy of Scripture over the authority of the Pope; the immutability of the doctrine of justification by faith as opposed to the church's practice of sacramental salvation and the irreplaceable role of Christ as the only mediator and savior of man. He also challenged the doctrine of transubstantiation, drawing the ire of several rulers of the time, notably King Henry VIII of England. Luther also translated the Bible into German. He married Katharina Von Bora, a runaway nun, in 1525 and together they raised a family of six children. He died in his hometown of Eisleben in February 1546.