Martin Luther
Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Saxony. Coming from a peasant family, Martin's father wanted him to grow up to become a lawyer so that Martin would make money and live a comfortable life, unlike himself. Martin was beginning his studies when he had a life-changing experience. He was walking on a road when he was caught in a horrific storm and almost struck by lightning. He prayed to St. Anne and promised that he would become a monk if she would save his life. Martin was not killed and so he stopped his schooling and entered into a monastery. However, Luther was very restless at the monastery, and so he was ordered to study and he received his priesthood in 1507. The next year, he began to teach theology at the University of Wittenberg. Martin strived to receive acceptance from God but never felt that he was receiving it and was constantly restless. Luther studied the Scriptures, prayed and did a lot of thinking. His restless questioning and his research in the Bible , led to his posting of his 95 theses (see 95 Theses)which he hoped would bring about change in the church. Luther was asked by the Pope to withdraw the majority of these statements, but Martin refused. At the Edict of Worms, Luther was declared to be an outlaw and it was also ruled that all of his printed works, throughout Germany, should be banned and burned. The Edict of Worms stated that all of the writings of Martin Luther should be banned. Martin was "kidnapped" by his friends for his own safety and was taken to a castle to live in seclusion. While there, he translated and published the first ever Holy Bible written in German. This was one of Luther strongest stands- that all people should be free to read the Word so that they could live by the Word. People needed to know the Word of God for themselves, without the Church interpreting it for them. Martin was soon "somewhat pardoned" after many heated debates and he was able to live the rest of his life in peace with his wife and six children while still publishing works about Christ.