Lutheran symbol

Lutheran History

  • Martin Luther's 95 Theses
    Oct 31, 1517

    Martin Luther's 95 Theses

    Luther posted his 95 theses to the church's door, which expressed his disapproval of church authorities selling indulgences and the papacy's abuse of power.
  • The Diet of Worms
    Jan 28, 1521

    The Diet of Worms

    After being excommunicated by Pope Leo X, Charles V issues the Edict of Worms which declares Martin Luther as an outlaw and bans all of his writings.
  • Diet of Speyer
    Aug 13, 1526

    Diet of Speyer

    The Diet of Speyer suspended the Edict of Worms and decided that "every State shall so live, rule, and believe as it may hope and trust to answer before God and his imperial Majesty".
  • Diet of Speyer
    Mar 4, 1529

    Diet of Speyer

    This Diet of Speyer revoked what the first Diet of Speyer decided and reinforced the Edict of Worms and prevented further reformation, which German princes and Imperial free city leaders protested.
  • Augsburg Confession
    Jun 25, 1530

    Augsburg Confession

    Consisting of 28 articles, this is one of the principle documents of the Lutheran church.
  • Translation of the New Testament
    Dec 11, 1534

    Translation of the New Testament

    While at the Wartburg Castle, Luther translate the New Testament into the German language.
  • Treaty of Passau
    Aug 2, 1552

    Treaty of Passau

    The Treaty of Passau, made between Charles V and Protestant princes, guaranteed religious freedoms.
  • Peace of Augsburg
    Sep 25, 1555

    Peace of Augsburg

    The Peace of Augsburg was the legalization of the Lutheran faith and stated "cuius regio, eius religio".
  • Lutheranism Spreads
    Dec 8, 1560

    Lutheranism Spreads

    After originating in Germany, Lutheranism began to quickly spread during the Reformation to places such as Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and many other parts of northern Europe to become one of the largest branches of Protestantism today.
  • Book of Concord
    Dec 5, 1580

    Book of Concord

    The Book of Concord was published.