Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a German theologian, professor, and reformer whose theological insights and actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, one of the most significant events in Christian and European history.\n\nBorn in Eisleben, Luther became an Augustinian friar and later a professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg. In 1517, he posted his famous 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, challenging the Catholic Church's practice of selling indulgences and questioning papal authority.\n\nLuther's translation of the Bible into German made scripture accessible to ordinary people and standardized the German language. His translation work took place largely at Wartburg Castle, where he lived in hiding after being declared an outlaw by the Holy Roman Emperor.\n\nHis theological innovations, including the doctrine of salvation by faith alone (sola fide) and the authority of Scripture alone (sola scriptura), formed the foundation of Protestant Christianity. The Lutheran Church, named after him, became the first major Protestant denomination.\n\nLuther's house in Wittenberg, where he lived for over 35 years, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and museum. The city of Wittenberg remains a pilgrimage destination for Protestants worldwide, with numerous sites commemorating Luther's life and work.\n\nHis influence extended beyond religion to education, language, and culture, making him one of the most influential figures in German and world history.