He was born in the small village of Stolberg in the Hartz Mountains, Thomas Muentzer initially studied for the priesthood, then joined Martin Luther's Reformation, becoming a pastor in 1520 on Luther's recommendation. Luther, however, did not go far enough for Muentzer, who broke with him in 1521 over infant baptism, among other issues, and founded his own sect. For this reason, Muentzer is considered one of the founders of the Anabaptist movement.
In 1524, Muentzer became one of the leaders of the uprising that became known as the Peasant's War. In 1525, he was captured and executed.