The Beginning of Martin Luther

Martin Luther is known as the key figure in the Protestant Reformation. Luther was often compared to Erasmus because they were both monks and scholars, but similarly they were not iconoclast.  Luther loved the arts of the sixteenth century and often wrote hymns for his new Protestant church services, many of which are still used today in the Protestant church. As mentioned before, Luther was a scholar, and he specialized in language and grammar of the bible. Because of these special skills he became a professor of philosophy and biblical studies at Wittenberg University. During the time period of Luther,Wittenberg University’s learning process was concentrated around debates.

After 1561, Luther began to study the Greek version of the New Testament, but Luther had to translate it into Germany to understand it. From these translations Luther began to rethink the meaning of salvation. He now believed salvation was not delivered through achievement, but through faith. As Luther was beginning his new church, a Dominican monk by the name of Tetzel came along and told Luther’s followers there was no need for confession or to attend mass. This highly upset Luther and he published “Ninety-Five Theses” which led to a great impact on society. The "Ninety-Five Theses" were rules posted on the Catholic church door that followers were suppose to follow which led to havoc and caused his expulsion from church.