Wittenberg

Martin Luther, a central figure of the Protestant Reformation, criticized indulgences and other practices of the Catholic Church. He translated the Bible into German and published his 95 Theses in 1517, setting in motion a movement that transformed Christendom. His works profoundly influence European theology and society.

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The Protestant Reformation, initiated by Martin Luther in 1517 with his 95 Theses at Wittenberg, profoundly transformed Western Christianity. Based on the principles of Sola Scriptura, Sola Fide and Sola Gratia, it led to the emergence of Protestantism in its many forms (Lutheranism, Calvinism and Anglicanism) and brought major religious, political and cultural upheavals to Europe, marking the beginning of the modern era.

Level: Easy Audience: Beginners

In July 1505, caught in a violent storm near Erfurt, Martin Luther narrowly escaped a lightning strike and cried out a vow to Saint Anne, the patron saint of miners, promising to become a monk. Having survived, he kept his promise and joined the Augustinians two weeks later. This formative episode marked the beginning of his spiritual quest, leading to the Protestant Reformation.

Level: Easy Audience: Beginners

Martin Luther translated the Bible into German in the sixteenth century to make Scripture accessible to everyone, affirming the principle of “sola scriptura”. This translation made it possible to criticise Catholic practices lacking a biblical foundation, such as indulgences. It also played a major role in standardising the German language and spreading the ideas of the Protestant Reformation, particularly through printing.

Level: Easy Audience: Beginners

In 1521, Martin Luther was officially excommunicated by the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, after refusing to recant following the publication of his 95 theses in 1517. Summoned to the Diet of Worms, he maintained his positions before Emperor Charles V. Declared an outlaw, he took refuge at the Wartburg. This foundational event marked the birth of Protestantism and permanently transformed Europe's religious and political history.

Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

Martin Luther, a sixteenth-century German monk and theologian, is the father of the Protestant Reformation. His principles of Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide transformed Christianity. His translation of the Bible into German unified the German language. His religious, cultural, social, and educational legacy continues to influence hundreds of millions of believers around the world.

Level: Easy Audience: Beginners