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Luther was born on November 10 in Eisleben, Germany, to Hans and Margarethe Luther. -
Parents, Hans and Margaretha Luder, moved their family of 10 to Mansfeld, where Hans worked in copper mines.
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At age five, Luther began his education at a local school in Mansfeld, where he learned reading, writing and Latin.
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At 13, Luther began to attend a school run by the Brethren of the Common Life in Magdeburg. The Brethren’s teachings focused on personal piety, and while there Luther developed an early interest in monastic life.
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Luther studied law at the University of Erfurt, fulfilling his father's wishes.
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During a thunderstorm, Luther vowed to become a monk if he survives, leading him to enter the Augustinian monastery in Erfrut.
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Luther received his Doctorate of Theology from the University of Wittenberg in 1512, becoming a professor of theology at the university.
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Luther began the Protestant Reformation with the publication of his 95 Theses on October 31, 1517. In this publication, he attacked the Church’s sale of indulgences. He advocated a theology that rested on God’s gracious activity in Jesus Christ, rather than in human works. -
The Diet of Worms was an assembly of the Holy Roman Empire, where Martin Luther was asked by Emperor Charles V, to recant his Reformation teachings. Luther refused, stating he was "bound by the Scriptures" and could not go against his conscience. This led to him being declared a outlaw, though he was protected by a friend and went into hiding.
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Luther translated the New Testament to the German translation at Wartburg Castle.
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Luther held the first German mass, which was considered the first Protestant Service in history.
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On 13 June, 1525, 41 year old, Martin Luther married 26 year old, Katharina von Bora. Luther was uncomfortable with the idea of marrying at first. -
This song book published in 1533, included"A mighty Fortress is our God", Luther's best-loved hymn, which was important to the Protestant Reformation because it allowed for Luther to teach Lutheran theology through music, and music brings people together.
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Luther died at age 62 on February 18, 1546 in his hometown, and his death was believed to be from a stroke, and he was buried in the Castle Church in Lutherstandt Wittenberg, Germany.