Martin Luther and Reformation Day
Martin Luther was a German friar in the early 16th century. He was dedicated to a religious life, but it drove him to deep spiritual despair. In 1507, Luther became a priest, and shortly thereafter, he was offered a position to teach theology at the University of Wittenberg in Germany. By 1512, Martin Luther had earned his Doctor of Theology, spending the rest of his career in that position at the University.
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther is said to have nailed his ‘95 Theses’ to the door of All Saints Church in Wittenberg. These were 95 revolutionary ideas that served as the catalyst for the eventual breaking away from the Catholic Church and were later instrumental in forming the movement known as the Protestant Reformation. Luther’s ‘95 Theses’ called for a full reform of the Catholic Church and challenged other scholars to debate with him on matters of church policy. It was these activities that got Luther excommunicated from the Church in 1520.
Martin Luther and his Translation of the Bible
In 1521, after a month of hearings before religious and government authorities, Martin Luther was declared an outlaw, requiring his arrest as a “notorious heretic.” On his way to jail, Luther was “kidnapped” by masked horsemen. But it was a staged event by a wealthy supporter of Luther named Frederick III. The kidnappers ended up delivering Luther to the safety of Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, Germany. Remarkably, during a year of protective custody here at the Castle, Luther performed the incredible feat of translating the Bible’s New Testament from Greek to German.
By 1534, Martin Luther and his associates completed the translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew into German and published the entire Luther Bible. There were other German Bibles, but Luther’s version quickly became popular and influential, contributing to the development of the German language and literature. It also influenced other common language translations, such as William Tyndale’s English Bible. Remarkably, Luther’s translation is still used by German-speaking people today.
Happy 500th anniversary of Reformation Day, as sparked by Martin Luther on October 31, 1517.
Randall acts as the lead writer for ColdWater’s Drive Thru History® TV series and Drive Thru History® “Adventures” curriculum.
Judy says
Hallelujah — Thank you Lord for choosing and calling Martin Luther to rescue the Gospel of Grace!
!
Britt Jones says
Happy 500th Anniversary! I didn’t know it was on October 31st that Luther nailed the document to the door. Kinda, ironic. Happy Halloween!
Angela says
From what I have read and learned about Martin Luther’s history, he apparently believed that somehow he was being moved by G0D to help steer the Catholic Church toward its original form. In translating the Bible he created the idea of “solo scriptora” which led to the belief that Christians should rely solely on their personal interpretations of the Holy Bible. This idea has led to a shattering of the Christian faith much like taking a mirror and smashing it on the ground–leaving shards of glass that reflect some of the light but not the entire true light that Christ founded in His Holy Catholic Church. There is ONE G0D and His truth does not change. Even Martin Luther, on his deathbed claimed, “I die Catholic”. Further, I do not believe that Almighty G0D works through one individual priest to create a new Christian dogma and that is what happened with Luther. It is unfortunate that Martin Luther was unable to communicate directly with the Church hierarchy of his day without fear–if that could have happened, the outcome of history would be very different. Let us hope that the current leaders of the Catholic faith do not repeat the mistakes of the past. People of all types must know the truth, believe it, and follow it by their free choice.
Mark says
Please. No Catholics allowed.
Anne says
Love this. Thanks for sharing. Please, can you make Drive Thru History available in Australia? Pleeease.
Anne
Steve says
A wonderful chapter in our Christian history!
Darvis McCoy says
I enjoyed this very much, keep up the great work.
Sue Scheopner says
Love your show !!
david mcilhenny says
Great presentation and video!