Martin Luther

The son of a Mansfeld councillor, he studied liberal arts in Eisenach and then law. After a traumatic experience, he entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, became a priest and began studying theology in 1507. In 1511 Luther was already teaching at the university in Erfurt, and from 1511 in Wittenberg.

His reflections on eternal life, which could only be granted through God's grace (sola gratia), brought him into conflict with the Catholic Church, especially the sale of indulgences. Through his writings (e.g. 95 Theses) he stimulated a theological debate that ultimately led to the imperial ban and his excommunication (1521). The Saxon Elector hid Luther in the fortresses of Coburg and Wartburg, where he translated the New Testament into German.

Meanwhile, the new denomination quickly gained support, especially from German princes; the position of the Protestants gradually became unassailable. Luther settled in Wittenberg, started a family and ran a hospitable house there.

As an extremely prolific writer, he wrote a long series of theological writings - but also texts on politics, music, hymns and chorales.