Martin Luther, Father of Protestantism

Born on this date, November 10th, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, Martin Luther, known as the Father of Protestantism. Luther had studied to become a lawyer before becoming an Augustinian monk in 1505, and was ordained a priest in 1507. While continuing his studies in pursuit of a Doctor of Theology degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the theology and practices of the church. His challenge of 95 theological issues in 1517, intended to spark debate to reform the church, eventually led to a separation instead. The term "Lutheran" was the name applied to Luther and his followers. Although intended as an insult, it quickly became a badge of honor.

On October 31, 1517, Luther posted a challenge on the church door at Wittenberg University to debate 95 theological issues. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.

What started as an academic debate escalated to a religious war, fueled by fiery temperaments and violent language on both sides. As a result, there was not a reformation of the church but a separation. "Lutheran" was a name applied to Luther and his followers as an insult but adopted as a badge of honor by them instead.

Luther died at the age of 63 on February 18, 1546, in Eisleben, Germany