Martin Luther and the Beginning of the Protestant Reformation
Most people recognize October 31st as Halloween, but for many Christians this date holds additional significance. It commemorates the birth of the Protestant Reformation, the movement launched in the early 1500’s which revived biblical Christianity. The Reformation culminated in a split from the Roman Catholic church, as the Reformers rejected many of their traditions and teachings, declaring them unbiblical, even heretical.
It should be noted that these were not new ideas. Earlier attempts at reform had been made decades earlier. Sadly, these ended with the death of the dissenter, typically burned at the stake by order of the Catholic clergy. For many years, the Roman Catholic church was successful at quelling opposition to its authority, facilitated by burning the accused’s writings.
The invention of Johannes Gutenberg’s movable-type printing press is often credited for the success of the Protestant Reformation. This machine, developed around A.D. 1440, enabled the widespread distribution of printed pamphlets, posters, and books, which supported the exchange of ideas and ideals. The Bible was one of the first books printed (in 1454, it was called the Gutenberg Bible and was from the Latin Vulgate). Soon after, translations were printed in several languages including German (Mentelin’s German Bible 1460), English (Tyndale 1526), and French (Lefevre Bible 1523-1528). These Bibles were distributed across Europe. With access to God’s Word, church-goers could now discern for themselves what the scriptures taught, a practice which had been discouraged, even forbidden by the Catholic church.
Following careful study, they determined that what the priests were teaching was contrary to God’s Word. These early Reformers discarded the traditions and teachings of the Roman Church and adopted the Biblical doctrines of grace, salvation by faith alone, and the authority of scripture. Leaders in this movement sought audiences within universities and soon criticism of the Roman Catholic church spread across Europe. This eventually led to the creation of Protestant churches, so-named for the “Protesters”.
Key figures of the Reformation include Ulrich Zwingli from Switzerland, John Calvin from France, John Knox from Scotland, England’s William Tyndale, and of course the Germans, Martin Bucer and Martin Luther. In this blog I will focus on Martin Luther, as he is considered the father of the Protestant Reformation. This will be a condensed version of Luther’s life, but I will include links to several of the books I used in my research should you be interested in learning more. In the future I hope to do brief summaries of the other Reformers as well. If this interests you, please sign up below for my monthly newsletter to receive blog recaps and product updates.
Martinus Ludher (read last week’s blog about his name change) was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony (now Germany). Shortly after Martin’s birth his father, Hans moved the family to the town of Mansfeld. Determined to provide a better life for his family, Hans became a miner then a master metal-smelter. He became a respected member of the Mansfeld community, eventually taking a position as town councilor.
Martin received an exceptional education. As the eldest son, he was expected to help run the family business. Hans needed someone trustworthy who understood legal contracts, so he determined young Martin would become a lawyer. At age 14, Martin was sent to boarding school in Eisenach, where he lived with his mother’s family. After graduating from this school, Martin continued his studies at the University of Erfurt where he received a master’s degree in 1505.
An incident at Erfurt changed Martin’s life forever. One day as he was traveling a severe thunderstorm developed. Terrified, Luther called on St. Anne, the patron saint of miners, for protection. He vowed that if she spared his life, he would dedicate himself to the church. The storm passed and Martin was unharmed. Keeping his promise, Martin left law school immediately to become a monk. His father was furious – after all, he had spent a considerable amount of money on Martin’s education, and he was counting on Martin’s help with the business! It was quite some time before Hans forgave his oldest son. (Some believe he did not make amends with Martin until after he had lost two of his younger sons to the plague).
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On July 17, 1505 Martin joined the St. Augustine monastery in Erfurt. Luther took his monastic vows very seriously. He fasted frequently and spent hours in prayer and confession. Struggling with the Catholic Church’s teachings of sin and forgiveness, he punished himself above and beyond the penance his confessor had assigned. His friends and family became concerned as he suffered poor health both from the austere living conditions and the self-inflicted abuse. The death of a close friend sent him into a depression which affected him for the remainder of his life.
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In 1510, the young monk spent some time in Rome. As a reward for his pilgrimage to Vatican City Luther was granted an indulgence by the church. Indulgences were handwritten or printed documents endorsed by the Pope. These papal pardons reduced or eliminated the amount of time a believer had to spend in purgatory after death. (The Catholic Church teaches purgatory is a ‘holding area’ for the dead, where one must remain until purified and deemed acceptable for heaven). Originally authorized by Pope Urban II during the first crusade (A.D. 1096-1099), several popes had used them to raise funds for various church projects and for personal gain. Indulgences could be purchased or earned by visiting or owning relics, or by completing a sacred pilgrimage. Church members were encouraged to obtain these pardons for their departed relatives as well as themselves. The money paid by unsuspecting parishioners was split between the local diocese and Rome.
While in Rome Luther climbed the Scala Sancta located near the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. Known as the “Holy Stairs”, it is believed that Jesus had ascended these steps prior to his appearance before Pilate. The marble staircase had been relocated from Jerusalem to Rome in A.D. 326 at the request of Emperor Constantine’s mother, Helena. Pious believers ascend the twenty eight steps on their knees, pausing on each step to recite specific creeds and prayers, including the ‘Our Father” (Lord’s Prayer). Those who are successful receive an indulgence. Luther’s participation was an attempt to earn this sacred pardon for his late grandfather, Heine Ludher. (These stairs remain in Rome and Catholics still ascend them on their knees, though the stairs are now covered in wood for protection. Several Popes have changed the indulgence/reward and its requirements, most recently in August 2015).
After spending a month in Rome Martin returned to Wittenberg University where he continued his studies. Luther later admitted he was deeply disturbed by the unethical and immoral behavior he had witnessed amid the Roman clergy. He claimed this trip to Rome marked the beginning of his break from the church.
In October of 1512 Martin received his Doctorate in Theology. He was 28 years old. Accepting a position at Wittenberg University, he taught biblical studies. He was a prolific writer, authoring papers on the books of Psalms, Romans, Hebrews, and Galatians as well as other theological themes.
In 1515 Luther was appointed vicar over the German provinces Saxony and Thuringia. This appointment made him responsible for the eleven monasteries located in these districts.
One day, while preparing a lecture on the book of Romans, he was struck by the implications of Romans 1:16-17. God revealed to him that salvation was by faith alone, a gift from God. No amount of penance or good deeds could procure entry into heaven. Soon after, Luther began to teach his students that a sinner is made righteous through faith in God, not works.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17, ESV
Around this time Pope Leo X authorized monks and priests to sell indulgences throughout the Holy Roman Empire. Proceeds would benefit the local church and fund the restoration of the decaying St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. One of the indulgence peddlers was a man named Johann Tetzel. Tetzel, a Dominican friar, arrived in Saxony in 1516. Infuriated to learn these absolutions were being sold to his parishioners, Luther wrote a letter of protest to the Archbishop of Mainz. With his correspondence he included a copy of his latest sermon and a copy of the Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, which today is better known as Luther’s 95 Theses. In addition to disputing indulgences Martin’s 95 Theses addressed papal authority, the forgiveness of sins, and the importance of scripture. Believing his concerns were valid, Luther had several additional copies printed for distribution.
On October 31, 1517 (according to Philip Melancthon, Luther’s friend) he nailed one copy of his 95 Theses to the University’s community message board- the doors of Wittenberg Castle’s church. At this time, the church was used as a lecture hall and saw a steady stream of professors, priests, and students. Luther’s choice of days may have been influenced by the knowledge that the following day, November 1st was All Saint’s Day, and the anniversary of the dedication day of the church. People from all over the region would gather to view the relics on display at Wittenberg, and Luther wanted their attention. Luther wished to discuss his Theses with other scholars, hoping to convince them of the church’s errors. Additional copies of his Disputation were circulated around Europe within the next few months.
Luther faced criticism from friends and associates, including the Dutch philosopher Erasmus, and Johann Eck. Public disputes were held between Martin and his supporters and those who upheld the traditions of the Catholic church. The controversy and resistance to his 95 Theses came as a surprise to Martin. It was never Luther’s intention to break away from the church. His desire was to ignite a reformation within the Catholic church. It was not to be.
The Catholic church demanded he recant his writings. Refusing to renounce his beliefs, Martin was put on trial and labeled a heretic. He was forced to go into hiding. While in seclusion Martin continued to write. His writings were shared across Europe, and inspired others to join the movement.
Offered a final chance to recant his beliefs, Luther refused. Pope Leo X excommunicated him from the Catholic church in 1521. Luther went into hiding at Wartburg Castle, then appeared at the Diet (meeting) in Worms where he once again defended his Disputation and established himself as an authority outside the Catholic Church.
Luther was a man of action. He translated the Bible from Latin into vernacular German, making God’s word accessible to the common man. No longer could the priests mislead the flock with their false doctrines and money-making schemes.
Martin Luther’s legacy endures to this day. The Lutheran denomination bears his name though his influence is felt in all Protestant churches. His marriage to Katharina von Bora (herself once a nun) paved the way for clerical marriage. A prolific hymn writer, he encouraged congregational singing as part of the worship service. His hymn, A Mighty Fortress is Our God is still sung in churches today. It is even believed he may be responsible for lit Christmas trees.
Martin Luther was not a perfect man, but God used him in a mighty way. His negative views about Jews was sadly shared by many in Europe in the mid 1500’s. Those who felt this way justified their beliefs by proclaiming Jews as heretics for denying Christ as Messiah, mistreating them as their fellow Christians had once been mistreated by Rome. Unfortunately, in some circles the friction continues to this day.
This Reformation Day, please join me in prayer for:
- Those who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord.
- The salvation of all those who do not know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
