The Protestant Reformation did not begin with the intent of separating from the church but began as an effort to reform the beliefs and practices of the Catholic Church. The protestant reformation was the 16th century religious, political, intellectual and cultural upheaval that splintered Catholic Europe, setting in place the structures and beliefs that would define the continent in the modern era. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII challenged papal authority and questioned the Catholic Church's ability to define Christian practice. The hope of reform faded and the protesters were forced to separate.
Martin Luther a German Monk and Theologian defied papacy and empire to introduce a reformation in the teaching, worship, organization, and life of the church, to leave a lasting impression on Western Civilization.
JULY 2 1505
Martin Luther was returning to the University of Erfurt where he was preparing for a career in Law on horseback when a traumatic event happened forcing him to leave Law school.
JULY 17 1505
Martin Luther entered an Augustinian friary in Erfurt after leaving Law school. During his years in the monastery, he struggled with guilt over sin and found no peace of sense of forgiveness. The upheavals in Luther's soul had far-reaching consequences since the reformer went his own perilous way not only as a biblical theologian but also as a physiologically experienced minister.
IN 1512
Martin Luther received his Doctor of Theology and was invited to the faculty of Alma Mater, the University of Wittenberg having been appointed to teach "bible". He lectured on the books of Psalms and Romans. Luther's "Tower Experience" was the pivot event in his life and Theology since he discovered Justification is by faith alone not merit or indulgence.
OCTOBER 31 1517
The Reformation began in Germany when Martin Luther became concerned about his own parishioners who believed that if they purchased letters of indulgence, they were sure of their salvation. Compelled by intense pastoral concern, Martin Luther posted his 95 Thesis on the door of the Castle Church of Wittenberg. The posting was an invitation to debate the practice of indulgence, not an ultimatum. Nonetheless, it sparked a conflict and a series of reform movements were ignited.
IN 1518
Martin Luther was summoned to meet with a representative of the Pope to discuss the papal authority since the challenging papal authority was an affront to Pope Leo X. The meeting was not successful thus the Pope issued a stern statement requiring all Christians to believe in the Pope's power to grant indulgences but Luther would not concede.
IN 1519
Martin Luther was invited to debate with John Eck, a German scholastic theologian, and defender of the Catholic faith. The debate included the subjects of purgatory, indulgences, penance and papal authority.
IN 1520
Martin Luther was excommunicated by Pope Leo X.
IN 1521
The Emperor to the Diet summoned Martin Luther to recant the errors of his writing and views. He refused to recant and delivered his most famous speech, "Here I stand". On his way back from Worms to Wittenberg, Luther was kidnapped and taken into exile where he began translating the New Testament from Greek to German. He wrote in support of others to implement reform.
IN 1522
Luther returned to Wittenberg where he advocated gradual and gentle reform. Worship was reformed making it more understandable and congregational signing was included in worship. He also began writing hymns and creating a new hymnal for worship. Nuns and monk s were also encouraged to marry.
IN 1525
Martin Luther married Katherine Von Bora a former nun.
FEBRUARY 18 1546
Martin Luther died after applying the gospel to the daily hurts and the spiritual struggles of his flock, and in so doing reformed both theology and pastoral counseling—all of it under the cross.
