Luther, Martin

1. A sixteenth-century German religious leader; the founder of Protestantism. Luther, a priest of the Roman Catholic Church , began the Reformation by posting his Ninety-five Theses, which attacked the church for allowing the sale of indulgences . He soon became convinced that the Catholic Church was opposed to the Bible (see also Bible ) on the question of justification by grace, through faith , and that no accommodation of his beliefs on this point was possible within the church. Luther concluded that reform of the church had to happen through formation of a new body of Christians (see also Christian ). He denied the authority of the pope and many other aspects of Catholic teaching, including the doctrine of transubstantiation .

Notes

Luther's most famous statement, made when he was called to account for his views before a meeting, was, “It is neither safe nor prudent to do anything against conscience. Here I stand; I can do no other.”

Example Sentences

But his words felt forced and were belied his 2004 vote to oppose marking Martin Luther King Jr.

From The Daily Beast

The last film about Martin Luther King was made for television in 1977.

From The Daily Beast

In 2004, for example, Scalise voted “no” on a resolution to make Martin Luther King Jr.

From The Daily Beast

Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, Oskar Schindler—these names come readily to mind when we think of heroes of conscience.

From The Daily Beast

This is admittedly a loaded question, but do you feel James Earl Ray really killed Martin Luther King Jr.?

From The Daily Beast

Martin Luther was a child of his time also as a boon companion.

From Project Gutenberg

Martin Luther made a sacrifice hit when he went to Worms, although he feared the Pope would kill him.

From Project Gutenberg

Martin Luther was a great fighter, but not a more heroic one than Giordano Bruno.

From Project Gutenberg

This sort of superstition was devotedly respected by even such men as Martin Luther.

From Project Gutenberg

But generations before Martin Luther the work for the harvest of coming ages was begun.

From Project Gutenberg