Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther changed Christianity forever by doing something most people thought was impossible.

He challenged the most powerful institution in Europe, the Catholic Church, and survived.

In 1517, he nailed his 95 Theses to a church door, calling out the

corrupt practice of selling indulgences, basically paying money to reduce punishment for sins.

Luther argued salvation comes from faith alone, not buying your way into heaven.

The printing press amplified his message across Europe in weeks, something that would

have taken years before. He translated the Bible into German so regular people

could read it themselves instead of relying on priests to interpret it for them. The Church excommunicated