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'''Martin Luther''' (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546)  was one of the most important leaders in [[Christian]] and [[Germany|German]] history. An Augustinian monk, priest, and professor of theology, he unintentionally launched the [[Protestantism|Protestant Reformation]] and founded the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

'''Martin Luther''' (November 10, 1483 - February 18, 1546)  was one of the most important leaders in [[Christian]] and [[Germany|German]] history. An Augustinian monk, priest, and professor of theology, he unintentionally launched the [[Protestantism|Protestant Reformation]] and founded the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

{{Christianity}}

{{Christianity}}

Luther was the first to break [[Roman Catholic]] unity on a large scale, ignoring the Great Scism. He was excommunicated for the [[95 Theses]] he had written in 1517 as a direct challenge to Church  practice. Furthermore, he had the backing of several German princes who resented the Italian domination of the Church.

Luther was the first to break [[Roman Catholic]] unity on a large scale, ignoring the Great Schism. He was excommunicated for the [[95 Theses]] he had written in 1517 as a direct challenge to Church  practice. Furthermore, he had the backing of several German princes who resented the Italian domination of the Church.

A tireless writer of tracts and hymns, Luther reshaped German religious culture by rejecting clerical celibacy and creating a new liturgy that emphasized congregational singing. His very popular hymns and his translation of the Bible into German helped to shape the German language.  

A tireless writer of tracts and hymns, Luther reshaped German religious culture by rejecting clerical celibacy and creating a new liturgy that emphasized congregational singing. His very popular hymns and his translation of the Bible into German helped to shape the German language.