Reformation Day Quiz (with Answer Key)

October 31, 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the day Martin Luther first nailed his 95 Theses to Wittenburg Castle Church Door. So, in honor of the occasion, I’m sharing the following Reformation Day Quiz. Use it to test your knowledge of Martin Luther’s life. (Scroll down for a free printable version.)

Reformation Day Quiz

1. Martin Luther was born on November 10, 1483 in what country?

   a. Germany
   b. Austria
   c. France
   d. England

2. As an adult, Martin Luther wrote dozens of hymns. His love for music dated back to his early school days, when music was his favorite subject. Although he was particularly fond of playing this instrument, he gave it away before entering the monastary at 21.

   a. the violin
   b. the harpsichord
   c. the lute
   d. the French horn

3. Which of the fo!owing events did NOT occur during Martin Luther’s lifetime?

   a. Columbus discovered America c. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel
   b. Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet d. Copernicus taught heliocentric universe
   c. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel
   d. Copernicus taught heliocentric universe

4. Martin Luther said he never saw a Bible until he was 20 years old. He later translated the Bible into this language so that common people (not only priests and monks) would be able to read it:

   a. Latin
   b. English
   c. French
   d. German

5. Martin Luther original!y intended to become a lawyer and completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees toward that end. What happened that convinced him to become a monk instead?

   a. he made a vow to St. Anna
   b. he was frightened by a violent storm
   c. he saw a light from heaven like the Apostle Paul
   d. all of the above

6. Martin Luther objected to the fact that a Dominican friar by the name of Johann Te”el was se!ing “indulgences.” What were parishiners promised in exchange for buying these pieces of paper?

   a. a raffle ticket
   b. forgiveness of sin
   c. a new Bible
   d. all the above

7. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted a list of theses, or topics he wished to debate, on the door of the Wi$enburg Castle Church. How many items were on the list?

   a. 31
   b. 90
   c. 95
   d. 99

8. Whom did Martin Luther marry?

   a. his childhood sweetheart c. a nurse who cared for him in his old age
   b. a former nun
   c. a nurse who cared for him in his old age
   d. none of the above — as a monk, he stayed single

9. “Next to the Word of God,” what did Martin Luther say “deserves the highest praise”?

   a. the Pope
   b. the Virgin Mary
   c. music
   d. marriage

10. At the Diet of Worms, Luther was condemned as “a demon in the appearance of a man.” Why?

    a. because he had defaced church property
    b. because he had red hair and flushed skin
    c. because he wouldn’t eat the worms he was served
    d. because he refused to recant his heretical views

When you’re done, you’ll find the answer key on page 2 of the PDF. But be careful not to peek at it until you’re finished taking the quiz!

Want to brush up on your history before trying your hand at this quiz? Or teach your kids about the Father of the Reformation? You can read Martin Luther: A Man who Changed the World in a single sitting. And that holds true for watching a biopic of Luther’s life, as well.

More Reformation Day Resources

Need more ideas for celebrating Reformation Day? You can read how our family has marked this holiday and download many more free printable resources by following this link: Remembering Reformation Day. There you’ll find hymns, quotes, coloring pages, and a printable copy of Luther’s original 95 theses.