**Martin Luther (1483-1546)** was a German theologian, monk, and key figure in the Protestant Reformation, which fundamentally changed the Christian church in Europe.
Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, to Hans and Margarethe Luther. His father was a miner, and he hoped his son would become a lawyer. Luther attended the University of Erfurt, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1502 and a master’s degree in 1505.
### Monastic Life
In 1505, after a near-death experience during a thunderstorm, Luther vowed to become a monk. He joined the Augustinian order and was ordained a priest in 1507. Luther struggled with his faith and the church’s teachings, often feeling he could never do enough to earn God’s grace.
### The 95 Theses
Luther’s turning point came in 1517 when he wrote the **Ninety-Five Theses**, criticizing the sale of indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church. He famously nailed the document to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church, arguing that salvation could not be purchased and emphasizing the authority of Scripture over church tradition.
### The Reformation
Luther’s ideas spread rapidly, thanks in part to the printing press. He called for reforms within the Church, which led to his excommunication in 1521. He famously refused to recant his writings at the Diet of Worms, stating, “Here I stand, I can do no other.”
Luther found refuge in the Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament into German, making the scriptures more accessible to the laity. He continued to write extensively, addressing theological issues and advocating for a return to biblical teachings.
### Later Life and Legacy
In 1525, Luther married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, which was controversial at the time. They had six children and Luther became a family man. His writings and teachings laid the foundation for various Protestant denominations and influenced Christian thought for centuries.
Luther’s ideas emphasized salvation by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the importance of personal faith and scripture. He died on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, where he was born.
Today, Martin Luther is celebrated as a key figure in the history of Christianity, known for his role in the Reformation and his lasting impact on Western religion and society.