Martin Luther (1483–1546) was a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation, which fundamentally changed the contours of Christianity and European society. An Augustinian monk, scholar, and theologian, Luther became renowned for his strong objections to the Roman Catholic Church's practices, particularly with regards to indulgences. His most famous work, the 'Disputation on the Power of Indulgences' or 'Ninety-five Theses' (1517), challenged the church's sale of indulgences and questioned the authority of the pope. Luther's prolific writing did not stop there; he translated the Bible into German, making it more accessible to the layperson and influencing the German language. His works, which also include 'On the Bondage of the Will' (1525) and 'Large Catechism' (1529), reflect his deep religious convictions and his belief in justification by faith alone. Luther's theology and advocacy for clerical reforms were instrumental in sparking widespread religious reform and the development of Lutheran and other Protestant denominations. His literary style combined rigorous theological argumentation with a flare for vernacular speech, which energized public debate and helped spread his ideas across Europe.