Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546) was a German monk, priest, composer, and professor known for his leading role in the Protestant Reformation. He was born the eldest son of a mine operator who wanted him to become a lawyer.  He earned a masters degree in 1505, studied law briefly and pursued philosophy before turning to faith. He became a monk in 1505, was ordained, earned his Doctor of Theology degree and joined the faculty of the University of Wittenberg in 1512 as chair of theology. He came to reject certain beliefs and practices, particularly indulgences, and called for an academic discussion of the topic in the Ninety-five Theses in 1517, which spread throughout Europe in two months. The ensuing controversy led to Luther being declared a heretic; he was excommunicated in 1521 after refusing to renounce his writings. Declared an outlaw, he was taken by supporters to the safety of Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament into German and issued a torrent of doctrinal and polemical writings that began to challenge core church doctrines. He secretly returned to Wittenberg in 1522 to deliver a famous series of eight sermons during a time of unrest. He developed a clear summary of the new faith in the form of the Small and Large Catechisms, completed his translation of the Old Testament into German and composed numerous hymns; all these are still in use. His many contributions are too numerous to mention here. Perhaps the knowledge that he was the most popular writer of his day and the brains behind the most important revision of Christian doctrine in history will give an idea of his genius and influence.