Reformation

On November 9, 1483, Martin Luther, the key figure in the Protestant Reformation, was born to Martin Luther and Katharina. His teachings and actions would have a profound impact on the Christian faith.

Ulrich Zwingli, a significant figure in the Protestant Reformation, is born on January 1, 1484.

In 1515, Martin Luther commenced delivering lectures on the Book of Romans, a significant event in the development of his theological ideas and the Protestant Reformation.

In 1516, Martin Luther initiated his first lecture series on the Epistle to the Galatians, further shaping his theological perspectives and challenging established beliefs.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, marking a significant event in the Reformation.

In July 1519, the Leipzig Debate took place between Martin Luther and Johann Eck, discussing theological and ecclesiastical issues.

Pope Leo X issues the papal bull Exsurge Domine on June 15, 1520, giving Martin Luther sixty days to recant his beliefs or face excommunication.

In October 1520, a government edict in the Netherlands condemned Lutheranism, leading to the burning of Lutheran books in Leuven.

On December 10, 1520, Martin Luther defiantly burns the papal bull Exsurge Domine and a copy of Canon Law, symbolizing his rejection of papal authority.

At the Diet of Worms, Martin Luther refuses to recant his beliefs and is declared a heretic by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, leading to his excommunication from the Catholic Church.

On January 3, 1521, Martin Luther is formally excommunicated by the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, further deepening the rift between him and the Catholic Church.

Martin Luther courageously presents his views before the Diet of Worms on April 17–18, 1521, and steadfastly refuses to recant his beliefs, shaping the course of the Reformation.

Charles V issues the Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther a public outlaw and criminal, and banning his books.

In 1522, Charles V and the Pope initiated a state-run 'Apostolic' inquisition to complement the existing Episcopal institution.

Martin Luther returns from Wartburg on March 6.

Martin Luther's translation of the New Testament is published on September 21.

Heinrich Voes and John Esch, the first Lutheran martyrs, were executed by burning at the stake in Antwerp on July 1.

On June 13, Martin Luther marries Katharina von Bora, a former nun, in a significant event in the life of the prominent reformer.

William Tyndale completes the first printed English translation of the New Testament, furthering the availability of the Bible in vernacular languages and promoting religious reform.

In April-May 1530, the Augsburg Confession and its defense, known as the Apology, were published. These documents outlined the key doctrines of the Lutheran faith and were presented at the Diet of Augsburg.

The Confessio Augustana or Augsburg Confession, which details Lutheran theology and practice, is published.

In September 1530, the second edition of the Apology, also known as the Octavo edition, was published. This revised version further defended the Lutheran beliefs and responded to criticisms.

On October 11, 1531, Ulrich Zwingli, a prominent figure in the Swiss Reformation, died on the battlefield at Kappel am Albis. His death marked a significant loss for the Reformed movement.

In August 1532, John the Steadfast, a key supporter of the Protestant Reformation, passed away. His son, John Frederick the Magnanimous, succeeded him as Elector, continuing the Protestant cause.

William Tyndale is martyred in Belgium on October 6.

In 1538, Henry VIII of England was excommunicated by the Pope due to his actions related to marriage annulments, execution of wives, and declaring his supremacy over the church, leading to the establishment of the Church of England.

In 1540, the Catholic Counter-Reformation began in earnest. This period was characterized by efforts from the Catholic Church to respond to the Protestant Reformation and address internal issues.

In 1541, the Council of Regensburg made efforts to achieve unity between the Roman Catholic Church and Lutherans on the issue of justification. However, the proposed compromise was rejected by some, including John Frederick.

The first church built to be Lutheran, Torgau Castle Chapel, was dedicated by Martin Luther on October 5, 1544.

The Council of Trent held its first sessions from 1545 to 1547, marking a significant event in the Catholic Church's response to the Protestant Reformation.

On February 14, 1546, Martin Luther delivered his final sermon before his passing, leaving a lasting impact on the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther passed away on February 18, 1546, marking the end of an era for the Protestant movement and leaving a legacy that would shape religious history.

On February 22, 1546, Martin Luther was laid to rest at the Castle Church in Wittenberg, a symbolic location for the Protestant Reformation.

On April 24, 1547, the Smalcaldic League suffered a significant defeat against Charles V at the Battle of Mühlberg, impacting the course of the Protestant Reformation.

The Peace of Augsburg in 1555 allowed the legal co-existence of Protestants and Catholics in the Holy Roman Empire, easing tensions arising from the Reformation.

In 1558, the first volume of Martin Luther's collected works was published. This marked a significant milestone in the dissemination of Luther's ideas and writings.

A treaty granting toleration to Lutherans within the Holy Roman Empire based on the principle of cuius regio, eius religio.

The 39 Articles of the Church of England are first published, providing a summary of Anglican doctrine and practice.

On June 25, 1580, the Book of Concord was published to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the presentation of the Augsburg Confession.

On April 8, 1586, Martin Chemnitz passed away in Braunschweig, leaving behind a significant legacy in Lutheran theology.

A blog post by Trevin Wax discussing the top ten significant moments in the history of the Reformation.