Martin Luther

By maxcoolfang
  • Nov 10, 1483

    Born

    Born
    Eisleben, County of Mansfeld in the Holy Roman Empire
  • 1501

    Academic life

    Martin Luther starts school in Eisenach.
  • 1505

    The change

    Caught in a terrible storm in Stotternheim (near Erfurt), Luther vows to become a monk if St. Anne saves him. Surviving the storm, he gives up his career as a lawyer and joins the Augustinian order at the monastery in Erfurt.
  • Oct 31, 1517

    Again the selling of indulgences

    Luther preaches against the selling of indulgences. On October 31, he nails the 95 Theses to the door of Lutherstadt Wittenberg's Castle Church. Translated from Latin into German, this printed declaration spreads like wildfire. Martin also changes his name from Luder to Luther, which may have been a Greek play on words: Martinus Eleutherios, or "Martin the Free One".
  • 1518

    Return

    Luther is charged with heresy in Rome. He defends himself in Augsburg with arguments based on the Bible rather than church doctrine. He has to flee, returning to Lutherstadt Wittenberg under the protection of Frederick the Wise (the Elector Frederick III).
  • 1521

    Achievment

    Luther is excommunicated and summoned to appear before the Diet of Worms His words "I neither can nor will recant" challenged authority in a way that would change the course of history. On his journey back to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, he is 'kidnapped' and taken to Wartburg Castle near Eisenach. In reality, he is once again under the protection of Frederick the Wise. In just 10 weeks, he translates the New Testament from Greek into German.
  • 1522

    Reforms

    Luther returns to Lutherstadt Wittenberg and sets off a series of theological and social reforms, such as education for all. He encourages musicians and poets to write music and hymns for church services.
  • Dec 25, 1525

    Marrige

    Marrige
    Luther marries Katharina von Bora. On December 25, Luther holds the German Mass, the very first Protestant service.
  • 1530

    Luther Faith

    The Augsburg Confession is written by Luther's close associate and friend, Philipp Melanchthon. He presents it to the Diet of Augsburg, but his arguments are rejected. However, this document was – and still is – the cornerstone of Lutheran faith.
  • 1537

    Summary

    Schmalkalden hosts a grand meeting of the Schmalkaldic League of rulers and theologians; Luther presents his Articles of Faith, a summary of Lutheran doctrine.
  • Feb 18, 1546

    Died

    Died
    Luther dies in Lutherstadt Eisleben. His coffin is carried to Lutherstadt Wittenberg, where he is buried at the Castle Church. As recorded on his tombstone, he lived for "63 years, 2 months, and 10 days."