He studied philosophy and theology in Trier.
During his childhood he lived in Mürlenbach, Eifel. He wanted to become a Roman Catholic priest. Hammers stopped to become a priest and studied psychology.
He worked in Roman Catholic Diocese of Trier as teacher for Roman Catholic priests in divinity school.
As professor Hammers worked in sector pastoral psychology. Hammers wrote 1997 in a study, that around 25% of Roman Catholic priests are gay.
On 21 November 2007 Hammers retired as professor