Abstract
This chapter focuses on Martin Luther. It examines other reform movements, both Catholic and Protestant, which occurred during and immediately following Luther’s life. Luther was born on November 10, 1483, in the town of Eisleben, today located in northeastern Germany. At the time Luther was born, Germany did not yet exist and Eisleben was in Saxony, one of the many territorial states that formed the Holy Roman Empire. Luther took his vow seriously and appears to have been a very conscientious and dedicated monk. Only one year after entering the monastery, Luther was ordained as a priest. Luther finally found peace with God through his study of the Bible. In 1512, Luther began his career as professor of biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg, a new school with only a few hundred students. According to the theology of the church, indulgences were only applied to the last stage in Penance, works of satisfaction.