Martin Luther was born on 10 November 1483 in Eisleben, County of Mansfeld, in the Holy Roman Empire. He was ordained as a priest in 1507 and later became a prominent theologian and professor. Luther's theological beliefs laid the foundation for Lutheranism and marked him as a key figure in the Protestant Reformation. He rejected several teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly concerning indulgences and papal authority. In 1517, he authored the Ninety-five Theses, which initiated a significant debate on these issues.In 1520, Pope Leo X demanded that Luther renounce his writings. Luther's refusal led to his excommunication in January 1521. Later that year, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V declared him an outlaw at the Diet of Worms. Luther's teachings emphasized that justification is a gift of God's grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than through human actions or merits. He argued that good works are a necessary outcome of genuine faith and that the Bible is the sole source of divine revelation, challenging the authority of the pope and bishops.Luther translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to the laity and influencing the development of the German language. His hymns contributed to the practice of congregational singing in Protestant churches. He married Katharina von Bora, a former nun, which established a precedent for clerical marriage in Protestantism.In his later writings, such as On the Jews and Their Lies, Luther expressed antisemitic views, advocating for the expulsion of Jews and the destruction of their synagogues. His rhetoric has been linked to the rise of antisemitism in Germany, although he did not directly call for violence against them.Luther was educated in various Latin schools and later attended the University of Erfurt, where he initially studied law before turning to theology. His decision to become a monk was influenced by a near-death experience during a thunderstorm in 1505. He joined the Augustinian order and later became a professor at the University of Wittenberg, where he lectured on the Psalms and other biblical texts.His theological insights culminated in the doctrine of justification by faith, which he articulated in his writings, including On the Bondage of the Will. The sale of indulgences by Johann Tetzel in 1516 prompted Luther to write the Ninety-five Theses, which criticized the practice and questioned the pope's authority. The theses gained widespread attention, leading to a series of confrontations with church authorities.After being excommunicated, Luther continued to write and preach, advocating for reforms in church practices. He returned to Wittenberg in 1522 to address radical reforms initiated by others and sought to restore order. His writings during this period included critiques of the mass and monastic vows, emphasizing the importance of faith and scripture.Luther's marriage in 1525 marked a significant shift in clerical practices, as he publicly endorsed the idea of clergy marrying. He also focused on organizing the church, establishing a new form of worship, and creating catechisms to educate congregants. His translation of the Bible was completed in 1534, and he continued to refine it throughout his life.In his later years, Luther faced health issues and continued to write extensively. He died on 18 February 1546 in Eisleben after a series of negotiations concerning his family's business interests. His funeral was attended by friends and colleagues, and he was buried in Wittenberg. Luther's influence on Christianity and Western thought remains significant, with his writings and teachings continuing to shape Protestant beliefs and practices.