Martin Luther is one of the most influential figures in Christian history. He is known for starting the Protestant Reformation by challenging some of the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church. One interesting fact about Luther is that he changed his name from the original “Luder” to “Luther.” In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this name change and what it signifies about Luther’s life and work.
Luther’s Early Life
Martin Luder was born on November 10, 1483 in Eisleben, Germany. His father, Hans Luder, was a copper miner and smelter. His mother, Margarethe Luder, was a hard-working woman who emphasized discipline and piety in raising her children.
Luther came from humble beginnings but his parents worked hard to provide him with a good education. At age 7, he entered a Latin school in Mansfeld and continued his studies in Magdeburg from 1497-1498. In 1501, at the age of 17, he enrolled at the University of Erfurt where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in 1502 and a Master’s Degree in 1505.
Why the Name Change?
During Luther’s lifetime, it was common for individuals to Latinize or Hellenize their names as they pursued academic careers. “Luder” or “Lueder” comes from the Middle High German word “lüt” meaning “people.” By changing it to “Luther,” Martin adopted a more scholarly, Greek-inspired name.
There are several hypotheses about why exactly he changed his name:
- He wanted to honor St. Martin of Tours, a 4th century bishop who was one of his personal role models
- He was inspired by humanists who modified their names to sound more classically educated
- He sought to distance himself from the peasant connotation of “Luder” as he became a scholar and theologian
The name change first started appearing in university enrollment records in 1505 when he switched from “Luder” to “Luther.” This change reflected his growing education and status. By 1512, he was consistently using Luther rather than Luder.
When Did the Name Change Occur?
| Year | Name Used |
|---|---|
| 1483-1505 | Birth name Luder |
| 1505 | Name change appears at University of Erfurt |
| 1512 | Consistently uses Luther |
| 1517 | Publishes 95 Theses under name Luther |
As shown in the table above, Luther’s name change occurred gradually during his university studies in the early 1500s and was firmly established by 1512. The newly minted “Luther” went on to achieve fame during the Reformation, publishing his 95 Theses that challenged Catholic doctrine in 1517.
Significance of the Name Change
While many university students Latinized their names at this time, Luther’s change from “Luder” to “Luther” held special meaning for him:
- Distanced himself from peasant roots
- Aligned with Church scholar St. Martin of Tours
- Signified his classical education and academic status
- Emphasized his pious identity as a theologian
Luther believed his new name had been divinely inspired and gave him a mandate for the religious reform work he would undertake. He wrote in 1546:
“I, Martin Luther, have emancipated myself by the grace of God by means of changing my name.”
The name change was an important part of Luther’s identity as he grew beyond his humble beginnings to become a central figure of the Protestant Reformation.
How Martin Luther Revolutionized Christianity
Once established as Martin Luther, he went on to have an enormous impact on Christian theology and Western history more broadly. Some of Luther’s major contributions included:
- 95 Theses (1517) – Luther penned 95 arguments against Catholic indulgences and Church corruption. This catalyzed the Protestant Reformation.
- Scripture and Faith – Luther taught that scripture alone, not Church officials, was the true authority for Christians. Salvation was through faith, not deeds.
- Vernacular Bibles – He translated the Bible into German so lay people could read it themselves, a radical act at the time.
- Confronting Power – Luther bravely stood up to religious and political authorities, demanding reform based on scripture.
By taking these courageous stands, the former “Luder” opened the door to new expressions of faith.
Theology and Teachings
At the core of Luther’s revolutionary theology were these primary teachings:
- Sola Fide – Salvation is through “faith alone” not good deeds.
- Sola Scriptura – The Bible alone is the source of God’s word, not Church officials.
- Universal Priesthood – All baptized Christians are priests who can interpret scripture.
- Two Kingdoms – God rules the secular and sacred realms differently.
These ideas challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and gave believers new religious autonomy. Luther’s commentaries, hymns, and preaching spread his theology widely.
Luther’s Impact on History
By spearheading the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther reshaped not just Christianity but world history itself. Some of his key historical impacts include:
- Broke the religious unity of Europe – enabled new Protestant churches to form
- Challenged the political power of the Church and Holy Roman Empire
- Inspired peasant revolts against authorities due to his anti-hierarchical views
- Led to divisions and religious wars between Protestants and Catholics
- Spurred the Counter-Reformation by the Catholic Church to win back converts
- Advanced use of printing press by publishing vernacular Bibles and texts
While Luther could not have predicted all of these far-reaching impacts, it’s clear his name change marked a pivotal transition from obscure monk to father of the Protestant Reformation.
Later Life and Death
Luther continued preaching, lecturing, writing, and advancing Protestant reforms until his natural death on February 18, 1546 at the age of 62 in his hometown of Eisleben. He had suffered from ill health for many years. His last written words found on a slip of paper read:
“Let no one despair; faith is God!”
Luther was survived by his wife Katharina von Bora and several children. His funeral was held at the Castle Church in Wittenberg with over 2,000 people in attendance.
He was originally buried there but later moved to the Wittenberg Cathedral alongside his close associate Philipp Melanchthon. Luther had truly cemented his legacy as a defining figure of Christian history.
Conclusion
Martin Luther’s decision to change his name from “Luder” to “Luther” marked a significant transition point in his life. By adopting a more scholarly name, he distanced himself from his peasant roots and aligned his identity with Church reformers. The newly christened Luther went on to spark monumental changes in Christian theology and history. His principles like scripture alone, faith alone, and priesthood of all believers took root and radically reshaped Christianity. Luther’s name change was part of his emergence as a key historical figure who fundamentally changed the course of religion and society. His influence continues to be felt down to the present day.
