Martin Luther
Martin Luther, a prominent German religious scholar and clergyman during the 16th century, played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation by composing the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, critiquing the Catholic Church's doctrines, particularly the commercialization of indulgences. Luther's advocacy for salvation through faith, the primacy of Scripture, and the universal priesthood significantly influenced the evolution of Christianity, resulting in the emergence of various Protestant sects. Moreover, his translation of the Bible into vernacular German democratized religious knowledge, catalyzing religious reform movements across Europe and leaving a lasting impact on Western Christian traditions, theological discourse, and religious liberties.