The German theologian who led the Reformation?

• A. John Calvin
• B. Ulrich Zwingli
• C. Martin Luther
• D. Thomas Aquinas

Answer: (C)

Martin Luther, a German monk and professor, led the Reformation by challenging Catholic Church practices and asserting that Scripture, not Church tradition, is the ultimate authority. In 1517 he nailed the Ninety-Five Theses, criticizing indulgences and calling for reform, which sparked widespread debate and reform across German-speaking regions. His teachings—justification by faith alone, the authority of Scripture, and the priesthood of all believers—became the foundation of Protestantism. His translation of the Bible into German also made the scriptures accessible to everyday people, amplifying the reform movement. While reformers in other regions, such as Ulrich Zwingli in Switzerland and John Calvin in Geneva, contributed greatly, Luther is the German theologian most closely associated with initiating the Reformation.