
Luther, Martin
Martin Luther was a German monk and theologian in the 16th century who challenged the Catholic Church’s practices, especially the sale of indulgences, by advocating for faith and scripture as the basis of Christianity. His actions sparked the Protestant Reformation, leading to the creation of new Christian denominations. Luther translated the Bible into German, making it accessible to ordinary people. His ideas emphasized personal faith and scripture over church authority, significantly shaping Western Christianity and religious thought.