Today in History
November 10, 1483
Martin Luther
Martin Luther is born in the town of Eisleben, in the German state of Saxony. At age 21, he abruptly leaves law school to enter an Augustinian monastery, saying he must fulfill a promise he made to God during a frightening thunderstorm. In 1517, Luther writes his now-famous 95 Theses in Wittenberg, questioning the practice of "indulgences" – selling forgiveness for sins – by some priests. This, as well as Luther's theology about salvation being based on grace rather than works, sparks a major controversy and catalyzes the Reformation movement that is the foundation of Protestantism.
After the Vatican excommunicates Luther for heresy, he marries a former nun, Katherine of Bora, and has five children. By the end of his life in 1546, Luther has written more than 60,000 pages of religious commentary and translated the New Testament into the German vernacular.
After the Vatican excommunicates Luther for heresy, he marries a former nun, Katherine of Bora, and has five children. By the end of his life in 1546, Luther has written more than 60,000 pages of religious commentary and translated the New Testament into the German vernacular.
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