Martin Luther

By mhigh20
  • Martin Luther is born
    1483

    Martin Luther is born

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

    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.
  • Luther changes his Career path
    1505

    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.
  • Martin Luther earns his Doctorate
    1512

    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'.
  • Luther's Lectures
    1513

    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.
  • Hebrews
    1517

    Hebrews

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

    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.
  • Luther Attacks the Papacy
    1519

    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.
  • Luther is threatened
    Jun 15, 1520

    Luther is threatened

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

    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.
  • Luther defends his views
    1521

    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.
  • Edict of Worms
    May 8, 1521

    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.
  • Start of Lutheranism
    1522

    Start of Lutheranism

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