Martin Luther

By mhigh20
  • 1483

    Martin Luther is born

    Martin Luther is born
    Martin Luther was born to parents Hans and Margaretta on November 10. He was born in Eisleben, Saxony (now Germany).
  • 1502

    University of Erfurt

    University of Erfurt
    Martin Luther attended the University of Erfurt. In 1502 he received a Bachelor's degree and continued studying in order to try and be a lawyer in the future.
  • 1505

    Luther changes his Career path

    Luther changes his Career path
    Luther finishes his Master's Degree. Later during the year, he is caught in a huge thunderstorm and calls out "Saint Anne help me! I will become a monk". Luther survives this storm and fulfills his promise and joins monastic life at the Augustinian Monastary.
  • 1512

    Martin Luther earns his Doctorate

    Martin Luther earns his Doctorate
    Luther studies and earns his Doctorate in Theology and then took a position as Theology Professor at the Wittenberg University 'Leucorea'.
  • 1513

    Luther's Lectures

    Luther's Lectures
    From 1513 to 1516 Luther begins lectures on The Psalms. During this time, he studies and begins to shape his ideals. He realizes that religious salvation is through faith, or inner piety.
  • 1517

    Hebrews

    Hebrews
    Martin Luther continues lecturing, and lectures Hebrews.
  • Oct 31, 1517

    95 Theses

    95 Theses
    Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses on the University of Wittenberg’s chapel door. Pope Leo X was selling Indulgences, a habit which Luther did not approve of. This angered Luther and caused him to express his views.
  • 1519

    Luther Attacks the Papacy

    Luther Attacks the Papacy
    Luther continues to lecture and write more. He declares the Pope does not have the right to interpret the writings of the Bible, which was a direct attack on the Papacy.
  • Jun 15, 1520

    Luther is threatened

    Luther is threatened
    Pope Leo X threatens to excommunicate Luther from the Catholic Church.
  • Dec 10, 1520

    Fire

    Fire
    Martin Luther burns the Pope's letter of Excommunication, showing he does not care and will not respect the Pope. This effectively Excommunicates Luther.
  • 1521

    Luther defends his views

    Luther defends his views
    Luther was summoned before the Diet of Worms, a general assembly of secular authorities. Luther refuses to reject the 95 Theses.
  • May 8, 1521

    Edict of Worms

    Edict of Worms
    The Council releases the Edict of Worms, which bans Luther's writings and makes him a criminal. Luther escapes with the help of friends.
  • 1522

    Start of Lutheranism

    Start of Lutheranism
    Luther returns to Wittenberg Castle Church in Eisenach. He starts Lutheranism, with support of several German Princes.