Religious Leaders: Martin Luther

Transcription

1 Religious Leaders: Martin Luther By Biography.com Editors and A+E Networks, adapted by Newsela staff on Word Count 750 Oil painting on wood of Martin Luther, Germany Lucas Cranach the Elder. Photo by Imagno/Getty Images. Synopsis: Martin Luther was one of the most important figures in Christian history. He began the 16th-century Protestant Reformation by calling into question some of the key principles of Roman Catholicism. At the time, Roman Catholicism, led by the pope in Rome, was the only kind of Christianity in Western Europe. Luther's followers split from the Roman Catholic Church, and began a new form of Christianity which became known as Protestantism. Early Life Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Saxony, in what is now southeast Germany. His parents were Hans and Margarethe Luther. Hans worked as a miner, but wanted something better for his son. Early on he decided Martin should become a lawyer. Martin Luther began his schooling at age 7. He was a good student and went on to attend the University of Erfurt. By then it seemed he was well on his way to becoming a lawyer. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 1

2 However, in July 1505 Luther had a life-changing experience. He was caught in a horrific thunderstorm that made him fear for his life. Luther cried out to St. Anne, Save me, St. Anne, and I ll become a monk! The storm calmed and he was saved. Luther felt he must keep his promise to St. Anne. His decision to become a monk greatly disappointed his father, but Luther stuck to his word. Spiritual Anguish At age 27, Luther went to Rome for a church conference. He was very much shocked by the behavior of the Catholic priests he met. To him, they seemed immoral and far too eager for money and power. What Luther saw made him begin to question the church. Upon his return to Germany, Luther began studying theology at the University of Wittenberg. He later became a professor of theology at the university. Rejection Of The Roman Catholic Church In 1517, Pope Leo X announced a new round of indulgences, the money from which would be used to help build St. Peter s Basilica. Indulgences were a pardon for sin. They could be bought from the church to avoid punishment in the afterlife. Luther was outraged by the pope's announcement about the indulgences. On October 31, 1517, he nailed a sheet of paper with 95 theses, or principles, onto the door of the University of Wittenberg s chapel. Luther's theses attacked indulgences, which he said undermined people's desire to live a good and just life. Copies of the Ninety-Five Theses quickly spread throughout Europe. In October 1518 the pope ordered Luther to recant his Ninety-Five Theses. In Roman Catholicism, to recant means to take back something you have said about the religion and to admit it was an error. Luther said he would not recant his theses unless a Bible passage proved him wrong. He then went further by declaring he did not believe the pope was the only one allowed to interpret the Bible. In 1519 Luther publicly declared that nothing in the Bible gave the pope alone the right to interpret its meaning. By 1520, the pope had had enough and on June 15 of that year he issued a letter threatening Luther with excommunication, or banishment from the church. On December 10, Luther publicly burned the letter. Excommunication In January 1521, Luther was officially excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. In March, he was summoned to the city of Worms. He had to appear before a gathering of government authorities known as the Diet of Worms. Again, Luther refused to recant his statements. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 2

3 On May 25, 1521, the council released the Edict of Worms. The edict, or ruling, outlawed Luther s writings and declared him a convicted heretic who had denied the truths of the Roman Catholic Church. This made him a condemned and wanted man, as heresy, or going against accepted church positions, was then an extremely serious offense. Friends helped Luther hide out at the Wartburg Castle. Though still under threat of arrest, Luther returned to Wittenberg Castle Church in May Miraculously, he was able to avoid capture. He soon set about organizing a new kind of Christianity, known as Lutheranism. In 1525, Luther married Katharina von Bora, a nun who also left the Roman Catholic Church. The couple had six children. Later Years And Legacy From 1533 to 1546, Luther taught theology at the University of Wittenberg. He died on February 18, 1546, at age 62. Luther is one of the most important figures in the Reformation movement. His actions fractured the Roman Catholic Church and led to major reforms. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 3

4 Quiz 1 Read the paragraph from the section Excommunication. On May 25, 1521, the council released the Edict of Worms. The edict, or ruling, outlawed Luther s writings and declared him a convicted heretic who had denied the truths of the Roman Catholic Church. Which phrase in this selection helps you understand the meaning of the word heretic? the council released The edict, or ruling outlawed Luther s writings and declared denied the truths of the Roman Catholic Church 2 Read the sentence from the section Rejection Of The Roman Catholic Church. In 1519 Luther publicly declared that nothing in the Bible gave the pope alone the right to interpret its meaning. Which option is the BEST definition of the word "interpret" as used in the sentence? question privately rewrite and change perform dramatically decide and explain 3 How does the section "Spiritual Anguish" contribute to the MAIN idea of the article? It shows that Luther was promoted in the church at an early age. It shows the beginning of Luther's doubts about the church. It explains why some priests were looking for money and power. It explains who Luther admired during his religious studies. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 4

5 4 Complete the sentence below. In the closing paragraph, the author... explains that Luther s life caused significant religious changes. describes how Luther was reformed by his religion. suggests that the Roman Catholic Church later forgave Luther. criticizes Luther s actions against the Roman Catholic Church. This article is available at 5 reading levels at 5