Martin Luther et la Réforme protestante
Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation
Early Life of Martin Luther
- Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, within the Holy Roman Empire. He was the son of Hans and Margarethe.
- His father, Hans, a peasant by origin, aspired for Martin to become a lawyer. Initially, Martin worked hard to meet his father's expectations.
Turning Point: The Storm Incident
- In 1505, after being caught in a storm and fearing for his life, Martin prayed to Saint Anne and vowed to become a monk.
- He left university to join the Augustinian monastery against his father's wishes. Two years later, he was ordained as a priest in Erfurt Cathedral.
Rise Within the Church
- As a theology professor and provincial vicar in Saxony, Luther became well-integrated into the Catholic clergy but struggled with questions about divine grace and salvation.
- His studies led him to notice discrepancies between biblical teachings and church practices.
Conflict with the Papacy
- In 1517, Luther publicly challenged papal authority by criticizing the sale of indulgences through his "95 Theses," which he allegedly posted on October 31st at Wittenberg Castle Church.
- This act marked the beginning of the Protestant Reformation aimed at reforming rather than breaking away from the Catholic Church.
Excommunication and Translation of the Bible
- Following his excommunication by Pope Leo X and condemnation by Emperor Charles V, Luther went into hiding under Frederick III's protection.
- During this time at Wartburg Castle, he began translating the New Testament into German.
Spread of Protestantism
- The Reformation led to divisions within Christianity: Catholics vs. Protestants; it also sparked violence between these groups.
- By 1522, Luther returned to Wittenberg to continue translating the Bible; he married an ex-nun in 1525 who bore him six children.
Legacy of Martin Luther
- By 1534, Luther completed his translation of the Bible into German which helped standardize the language.
- [] (No timestamp available for final thoughts.) He continued writing against papal authority until his death on February 18th, 1546.