Question

Erasmus was one of the early reformers. Erasmus of all the reformers most wanted to fix the Catholic Church. He greatly respected the pope and even dedicated one of his books to him. Erasmus was upset with how both the people in the church and people in society had become so focused on tradition. He said that many people within the church did things without knowing (or caring about) Christ's teaching on them. He believed that going through religious traditions like saint worship can weaken people's relationship with Christ.
Erasmus included clergy (people who work for the church) in his argument. So, even though he very clearly said he wanted only to help the church he was seen as its enemy.
1. Erasmus was considered a criminal by the church. What crime do you think they charged him with?
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Based on this reading, do you think Erasmus was a criminal, why or why not?
We do the Pledge of Allegiance every day in school, it is a tradition. Do you think about what it means every day? Why or why not?

Answer 1

1. Erasmus was likely charged with heresy by the church. Heresy typically refers to beliefs or practices that go against established church doctrine. Since Erasmus criticized the practices of the church and emphasized the need for reform, particularly in how people focused more on traditions than on the teachings of Christ, church authorities may have viewed his ideas as a threat to their authority and to the established order of religious practice.

2. Based on the reading, whether Erasmus was a criminal or not can be seen from different perspectives. From the standpoint of the church authorities, his dissenting views could be classified as criminal because they challenged the church’s teachings and practices. However, from a reformative and moral viewpoint, many might argue that Erasmus was not a criminal but rather a courageous thinker advocating for a deeper understanding of Christianity and a more genuine relationship with Christ. He sought to fulfill the church's mission rather than undermine it. Thus, it depends on the perspective one takes—whether one sees actions against authority as criminal or views them as necessary for progress and reform.

3. The Pledge of Allegiance is indeed a tradition that many students participate in daily. Whether individuals think about its meaning can vary significantly. Some may reflect on the ideals of patriotism, freedom, and democracy it represents, while others may view it as a routine without much contemplation. This divergence can arise from personal beliefs, levels of critical engagement with national symbols, or simply how ingrained the tradition has become in daily life. It raises interesting questions about the significance of tradition and the importance of understanding the values behind the rituals we participate in.