LUTHER Martin

Central figure of the Protestant Reformation. Following a visit to Rome in 1510, he took a stand against the Roman Catholic Church to which he had hitherto belonged as a priest and lecturer. He set out a list of theological objections. These included such issues as the authority of the church, the importance of faith rather than buying power for gaining divine favour, and celibacy. He was a powerful communicator, not only in preaching, but in composing hymns and most especially translating the Bible. His emphasis on education, as on social ethics, was politically challenging – both to princes and peasants.  Sadly, he was also the propagator of vitriolic language against the Jews.

Life

• Brief BBC biography of Luther

• Luther's life and work

• Entry on Luther in the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy 

Writings 

• Works by Luther in Project Gutenberg

• Works by Luther in the Internet Archive