Martin Luther

While still a law student, Luther hosts a farewell party with his peers before choosing the monastic life. George Spalatin questions Luther's reasons for abandoning the law. He then enters St. Augustine's Monastery in Erfurt, seeking spiritual peace.

Life in the monastery does not grant Luther the peace he seeks; his austere practices leave him fearful at his first Mass as a priest. He confesses to Vicar General Johann von Staupitz that he cannot love God as he understands Him. The prior proposes expulsion, but Staupitz suggests scholarly study and a pilgrimage to Rome as remedies.

Upon returning from Rome, Luther argues that the Bible should be in the vernacular so common people can approach God more easily. He is rebuked by his prior for this reformist stance. Spalatin introduces Luther to the Elector and recommends him as a professor of Biblical studies at the University of Wittenberg, and Luther baptizes an infant in the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

Luther earns his Doctorate of Theology but remains uneasy about relics and their veneration. Through his study of the Epistle to the Romans, he experiences a reformational insight: salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ, not by works or relics. Staupitz remains unconvinced by this change in emphasis.

In 1517, Pope Leo X authorizes an indulgence jubilee in Germany with Tetzel preaching. Luther publicly condemns the indulgence, arguing that God's mercy cannot be bought. He posts his Ninety-Five Theses on the church door; the theses are copied and spread, prompting Archbishop Albert to forward them to the pope.

In 1519, Andreas Karlstadt informs Luther and Melanchthon that he has been invited to Leipzig to debate their theses. In Leipzig, Luther confronts Johann Eck and is branded a heretic; he answers with firm resolve that truth matters above all. Staupitz releases Luther from his vows, enabling him greater independence from the Catholic hierarchy.

The pope's anger over Luther's writings grows, and excommunication becomes a looming threat. Luther publicly burns the papal bull rather than retracting. Cardinal Aleander and the Elector press for Luther to be delivered to the pope.

At the Diet of Worms, Luther is asked to acknowledge and recant his writings. He refuses to recant, stating that he cannot go against his conscience. The Emperor outlaws him and gives him 21 days to recant, prompting Elector Frederick to secretly escort Luther to the Wartburg.

From the Wartburg near Eisenach, Luther dedicates himself to translating the New Testament into German. He works in seclusion, shaping the language and style to make the Bible accessible. The exile lasts nearly a year, during which the Reformation gains momentum beyond the cloisters.

From 1522 to 1523, Luther's Invocavit sermons address Karlstadt's uprising and other disturbances in Saxony. He preaches to restore order and discipline in the young church, balancing reform with pastoral care. His leadership helps stabilize the movement in Wittenberg and beyond.

Luther marries former nun Katharina von Bora in Wittenberg, a union that delights his father and signals a practical model for reformers' personal lives. The marriage demonstrates a new path for reformers embracing domestic life amid a changing religious landscape. The couple faces the challenges of a rapidly evolving movement.

In Augsburg, the Augsburg Confession is presented to Emperor Charles V, marking a formal assertion of Lutheran beliefs. Bells ring as the community celebrates, and Luther offers a prayer of thanksgiving for God's faithfulness. He also contributes the hymn A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, which becomes a lasting symbol of the Reformation.