Martin Luther Timeline

Martin Luther's involvement in the Protestant Reformation

Period: Jan 1, 1512 to Dec 31, 1525

The timeline outlines Martin Luther's involvment in the Protestant Reforamtion.

Doctor of theology

Oct 19, 1512

Martin Luther was awarded his Doctor of Theology at the university of Wittenburg after teaching for 3-4 years.

Doctor in Bible

Oct 21, 1512

Shortly after being awarded his doctor of theology, Martin Luther was received into the senate of the theological faculty. He was called the "Doctor in Bible" and conitinued teaching at the university of Witttenburg.

Becoming a Priest

Jul 1, 1514

At age 30, Martin Luther becomes priest for Wittenberg's city church in addition to his other duties at the university.

The 95 Theses

Oct 31, 1517

Martin Luther was angered by the sales of indlugences and protested by writing 95 Theses. He hung it on the church door in Wittenburg, so that they could disscuss the matter. He also wrote it in German so that the public could read and understand it. Indulgence: A certificate pre-signed by the pope that pardoned all sins, giving someone a free access to heaven.

Martin Luther a heretic!

Aug 5, 1518

Emporor Maximillion, son and successor of Hoy Roman Emperor Frederick III, denounces Martin Luther as a heretic. Heretic: A professed believer who maintains religious opinions contrary to those accepted by his or her church or rejects doctrines prescribed by that church.

Burning papal documents

Dec 10, 1520

In protest, Martin Luther burnt the Exsurge Domine and other papal documents under a large oak (now known as Luther oak) outside the walls of the city in Wittenburg. He also burnt books of the church law and books written by his enemies.

First hearing of the Diet of Worms

Apr 17, 1521

The first hearing of the Diet of Worms begins. An official of Trier points to a table of books and asks Luther if he is willing to recant. Luther sees that some of the books are his writings on Scripture. Martin Luther refuses to recant and he asks for a recess.

Second hearing of the Diet of Worms

Apr 18, 1521

During the second hearing of the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther says, "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason-- I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other-- my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me." He did not recant and the following day the emperor sides with rome and allows Luther a few more days to recant.

Returning from Worms

May 4, 1521

After the dismissal of the Diet of Worms, on April 25th, on his way home from Worms, Martin Luther is captured by "bandits". Although, Luther knew about the capture beforehand. Martin Luther is taken safely into Wartburg, where the ruse allows Frederick to escape charges of harboring a heretic.

Ban of the Empire

May 26, 1521

Edict of Worms is signed by the emperor and issued. It formally condemns Luther's teachings and places him under the ban of the Empire.

Translation of the Bible

Sep 21, 1522

Martin Luther publishes the New Testament of the bible in German. It is a major event that Luther has done, as it allows the public to read the bible instead of listening to the priests read it in Latin. It confirms the fact the priests have been reading the bible correctly, not teaching them the wrong beliefs. Luther also included in his introduction to the book of Romans, a classic definition of faith.

German Mass

Dec 25, 1525

Martin Luther starts using the german mass. This makes it more convinient and allows the public to clearly understand the messages from God.