Desiderius Erasmus/STUDIES AND BELIEFS

 Erasmus's mastery of Greek and Latin allowed him to compare Latin translations of the Bible such as the Latin Vulgate, with 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 internal renewal of the Catholic Church, since he believed Christianity ought to be a life course, not a mere observation of meaningless rite. As a result, when reformers began to protest and demand changes within the Church of Rome, he became the object of Catholic suspicion. 

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

Next time:  GREEK TEXT OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

From the jw.org publications