Martin Luther was a German priest, monk, professor of theology, and musical composer. He played an important role in the Protestant Reformation.
A Catholic, Luther rejected several teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church. Most specifically, he disputed the view on indulgences…considered a way ‘to reduce the amount of punishment one has to undergo for sins.’ His refusal to submit resulted in excommunication by the pope and condemnation as an outlaw by the Roman Emperor.
Luther taught that salvation and eternal life are not earned by good works but are the free gift of God through the believer’s faith in Jesus Christ. This was a direct challenge to the authority of the Pope, teaching that the Bible is the only source of spiritual revelation and that all believers should be considered priests. Despite Luther’s insistence on being identified only as “Christian” or “Evangelical,” those who follow directly in his footsteps call themselves Lutherans.
