lutero

Lutero (Martin Luther) (1483–1546) was a German theologian and key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Born in Eisleben, he studied at Erfurt and joined the Augustinian order in 1505, becoming a priest in 1507 and later a lecturer at the University of Wittenberg.

In 1517, Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses criticizing indulgences and clerical corruption, challenging papal authority and sparking reform movements in German-speaking Europe. He was excommunicated in 1521 after refusing to recant at the Diet of Worms.

Luther translated the Bible into German, completing the New Testament in 1522 and the entire Bible in 1534, which helped standardize the language and made the scriptures more accessible. He also wrote catechisms and helped reform worship and doctrine, including the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

The Reformation led to the formation of Lutheran churches and influenced Protestant movements across Europe, affecting theology, education, literacy, and social norms. His writings promoted vernacular scripture and early modern ideas about religious authority.

Later in life Luther produced antisemitic writings criticized today; his legacy remains central to Christian history and European religious development, viewed as foundational for Lutheranism but also actively debated.