PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/Desiderius Erasmus

 STUDIES AND BELIEFS

Erasmus' mastery  of Greek and Latin allowed him to compare Latin translations of the Bible, such as the Latin Vulgate, and early Greek manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures, commonly known as the New Testament.  He became convinced that Bible knowledge  was vital.  To that end, he asserted that the Holy Scriptures should be translated into other languages common in his day.

Erasmus promoted renewal of the Catholic Church, since he believed   Christianity  ought to be a life course, not a mere observation of meaningless rites.  As a result, when reformers began to protest and demand change within the Church of Rome, he became  the object of Catholic suspicion.

In his writings, Erasmus satirically exposed clergy abuses, their pompous lifestyle, and the ambition of popes who applauded wars.  He differed with corrupt clergymen who used church customs-such as confession of sins, the worship of the saints, fasting and pilgrimages-to exploit believers. He also disagreed  with such church practices as the sale of indulgences and enforced celibacy.

Next time: PORTRAITS FROM THE PAST/Desiderius Erasmus - GREEK TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

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