Who was the best known Christian humanist and what did he believe?

1 answer

The best known Christian humanist is Desiderius Erasmus. He was a Dutch philosopher and theologian who lived during the Renaissance period. Erasmus believed in the importance of education and the revival of classical texts. He focused on the study of the Bible and believed in the reform of the Catholic Church from within. Erasmus criticized many aspects of the church, such as corruption and the abuse of power. He advocated for a return to the simplicity and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the inner piety and personal devotion of individuals. Erasmus also promoted the use of reason and critical thinking in interpreting the scriptures. His most famous work, "In Praise of Folly," satirically criticized societal and religious hypocrisy. Overall, Erasmus believed in a Christianity that was intellectually rigorous and advocated for a moral and ethical lifestyle based on the principles of love and tolerance.