RDH5 - Erasmus of Rotterdam

Now let's take another ingredient, Humanism.  We looked at how humanism brought a renewed interest in ancient writings.  This movement had its impact on the church, most notably in the life of Erasmus of Rotterdam.  His father was a priest.  That should immediately give you pause because priests did not marry.  His humble, illegitimate status may have had an impact on his life and teaching.

He taught that righteousness was more important than doctrine.  During his lifetime, the monasteries had become extremely corrupt.  He taught that the Christian should be a soldier living in holiness rather than retreating to the monastery--enjoying worldly pleasures.  His teaching reached the ears of many throughout Europe and laid some foundational work for what would eventually be the Protestant Reformation.  Erasmus would have reformed the church from within, had that been possible.

To be continued...

Previous Reformation Day History:
RDH1 - The Great Schism
RDH2 - The Fall of Constantinople
RDH3 - Humanism
RDH4 - John Hus