(1483-1546) Although the reformation had begun before Luther's time, he stands
out as the central figure for his challenge to Roman Catholic scholars. On
October 31, 1517 he nailed his
Ninety-five Theses denouncing the sale of
indulgences, to the door of the chapel at Wittenberg. Luther served as an
Augustinian monk until his excommuncation in 1521 for his assertion that
the Bible alone is authoritative, that all believers are priests and that
justification comes by faith. Luther's best known work is
On the Bondage of the Will
. Matin Luther married a former nun, Katharine von Bora and their homelife is described in this brief quote from the
PBS website: "
Katharine took over the household, particularly the household expenses; it is said that Dr Luther did not have a clue how to run a household. She also proved herself to be a good housewife and gardener.Luther's household included not only his wife and six children, but also one of Katharine's relatives and after 1529 six of Luther's sister's children. Luther also housed students in his home to help the family's financial situation. For recreation the Luthers enjoyed a bowling lane of sorts in their garden, board games such as chess, and music. They had a pet dog. They grew much of their own food in a small garden at the Black Cloister and then later as a farm outside Wittenberg. Luther and Katherine were diligent parents, disciplining their children, but doing so in love. Their home was noted for its liveliness and its happiness."