Martin Luther (1483-1546) stands out as a seminal figure in Western history, known for his pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. A German monk, theologian, university professor, and church reformer, Luther's theological insights and writings ignited religious and cultural transformations that reshaped Christianity and European society. Arguably, his most renowned act was the 1517 publication of the Ninety-Five Theses, which challenged the Catholic Church's practices and doctrines, particularly the abuse of indulgences. Luther articulated a theology centered on the primacy of Scripture and the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which diverged significantly from the Catholic Church's teachings of the time.
Among Luther's expansive corpus, 'A Treatise on Good Works' (1520) establishes his perspective on the role of good works in the life of a believer. In it, Luther contends that truly good works must stem from faith and that even the most ordinary of tasks can be considered a good work if executed in faith. Luther's writings were characterized by a clear and forceful style, translating complex theological ideas into language accessible to the common person. His translation of the Bible into German democratized access to the scriptures, fostering the principles of personal faith and direct access to the word of God. His legacy persists in the doctrines and practices of Lutheran churches and beyond, affecting the theological premises of numerous Protestant denominations.
