It seems from his own history he should never have become a priest, as he made a vow to enter monastic life when he was frightened during a thunder storm.[/quote:u690attx]
Luther grew up in a time were people believed in superstitions such as witchcraft and so-forth. It was also believed during this time period that God wasn’t a kind and loving God but a God of punishment and eternal damnation to the sinful. So during that day when he was caught in the storm and was almost struck by lightning, he had a legitimate excuse to be afraid. He thought that the only way to save himself was to become a monk.