Martin Luther

Martin Luther was born November 10, 1483 and died February 18, 1546

Where Did He Live? Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, Germany in 1483, and later moved to Mansfeld in 1484 with his family. In 1508 he began teaching theology at the University of Wittenberg where he would spend the rest of his career. Luther had returned to his birthplace in Eisleben with his three sons to assist in settling an inheritance dispute between the landed gentry Mansfeld Counts. After suffering prolonged chest pains, he did not have the strength to return home to Wittenberg and Martin Luther died on February 18, 1546 in his hometown of Eisleben.

What Is He Famous For? Martin Luther strongly disagreed with the claim that forgiveness for ones sins could be bought with money, or Indulgences. He called the Catholic Churches bluff by nailing his 95 Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517, later giving birth to the Protestant Reformation and Lutheran Church.

Luther’s Rose This is the seal that was designed for Martin Luther by John Frederick, in 1530 and this is a quote by Martin Luther giving the meaning and interpretation of the seal. “The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified". Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just shall live by faith" but by faith in the crucified. Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not give peace and joy like the world gives. That is why the rose should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the angels. Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end.”

Schooling As a child, Martin Luther attended Latin school in Mansfeld, then in 1497 he went to a boarding school in Magdeburg; two years later he moved to Eisenach and lived with relatives while attending school there. In 1501 at the age of eighteen Luther entered the University of Erfurt where he studied the liberal arts, and in 1505 earned a Master's degree with the intention of studying Law like his father wanted, except it is said that while Luther was just outside of Stotterheim one day after visiting his parents he was caught in a dangerous thunderstorm where lightning struck nearby, throwing him to the ground and in his terror he called out "St. Anne Help me! I will become a monk!" It's most likely he was considering a life of the cloth before this event, much to his father's dissatisfaction. Latin SchoolUniversity of Erfurt

Teachings Martin Luther’s teachings, translations and doctrines played a large role in the formation of Protestantism, producing some side effects that aren’t really taken into consideration today. Some of which are: salvation by faith only, scripture only with no traditions, Predestination (only some are chosen for heaven), Assurance of salvation, Total depravity, Any believer can correctly interpret scripture, Ordained ministers, The church is a visible human institution and not unified, and the extreme importance in preaching. His translation of the Bible into the vernacular (instead of Latin) made his teachings more accessible, causing a tremendous impact on the church and on German culture. It encouraged the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and even influenced the translation into English of the King James Bible.

Hymns Luther was an avid and bountiful hymn-writer, authoring hymns such as A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, If God had not been on our side, Oh Lord look down from heaven behold, and In the midst of Earthly life. Luther combined high art and folk music, and connected all forms of social classes with his hymns. His device for this linking was the singing of German hymns in connection with worship, school, home, and the public arena.

The Catechism Luther devised the catechism, one of his most personal works, as a model of clear religious teaching, and as a method of teaching the basics of Christianity to the congregations. In 1529, he wrote the Large Catechism, a manual for pastors and teachers, as well as a synopsis, the Small Catechism, to be memorized and used by the people themselves. The catechisms provided easy-to-understand instructional and devotional material on the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, baptism, the Lord's Supper and others. The Catechism remains in use even today.

Works Cited luther.html#sw-hymn