479 years ago today, February 18, 1546 (January 18, 1546 in the lunar calendar), the religious reformer Martin Luther died. Martin Luther (1483 - 1546) was the initiator of the 16th century European Religious Reform and the founder of the Christian (Protestant) Lutheran Church. Born into a small mine owner's family in Eisleben, Germany. He has been professor of theology at the University of Wittenberg in Germany since 1512, and has been exposed to the progressive humanistic thought of that time. In 1517, the publication of the Ninety Five Theses, which criticized the Pope for selling indulgences, ignited the fire of religious reform. Later, he made many speeches denying the authority of the Pope and advocating "salvation by faith", believing that if people want to be saved by God, it is not because of following church rules, but because of personal beliefs. He advocated the establishment of a "cheap church" without hierarchy and complicated etiquette, supported German princes in confiscating church property, advocated preaching in national languages, and personally translated the Bible into German. His ideas reflect the demands of the citizen class and are also in line with the interests of some Qing Dynasty officials. Martin Luther played an active role in the early days of the Reformation, but when the German Peasants 'War broke out in 1524 - 1525, he openly sided with the princes and advocated cruel suppression of the peasants. He passed away on February 18, 1546.