Desiderius Erasmus

1466 - 1536

Attended the University of Paris in Paris where most of his activity took place; although he did also

reside in Oxford from 1498 – 1500 followed by a journey to Italy

Erasmus was a humanist and Catholic who was known for his various literary works such as his manuscripts of his paraphrases of the New Testament.

He also made an impact on European’s religious Reformation with his controversial literary works and his reformations from the Church.

What he is known for

Basis of his literary works

After mastering Latin, Erasmus began writing late in his life to express his religious beliefs. His revolts against the church were not caused by doubts or hostility towards the church, rather that he felt called to write and share his knowledge and views. He considered himself as a preacher of righteousness and attempted to renew Europe with his frank and fearless writings. This made him the center of the literary movement of his time.

Religious Reformation in Europe

Occurred during the peak of his literary fame.

His publication of the New Testament was Erasmus’ most significant contribution to the reformation. The outbreak of the Lutheran movement followed the publication of the New Testament. It showed how big the issues between European society and the Catholic Church really was.

He never left the Catholic church, although they rejected some of his work for its critical attitude.

The Praise of Folly (1509)

- The book promotes self-love and friendship with references to Christianity.

- One of Erasmus’ most famous works during the protestant reformation.

- It received both positive and negative attention.

- Ironic offense to traditions of the Catholic church

The Enchiridion of Erasmus (1503)

Wrote is as a guide to the Christian lifestyle.

Similar to a sermon as he emphasized personal spiritual disciplines and the importance of the reading of scripture because of its power to transform and motivate toward love.

Wrote the importance of the New testament being the law of Christ to obey and to imitate the life of Christ.

Final YearsA few of his most significant works of Erasmus’ works was “Gospel Preacher” (1535) in which he emphasizes the importance of preaching of the Christian priest and also showed how essentially Protestant is Christian beliefs were. "Preparation for Death” expressed similar ideas with the emphasis on the importance of a good life and a happy death.

Works Cited"Biography of Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536)." Gradesaver. GradeSaver, Web. 12 January 2013.

"Desiderius Erasmus Biography." Encyclopedia of World Biography. Web. 12 January 2013.

"DESIDERIUS ERASMUS (C. 1466–1536)." Tlogical. Tlogical, Web. 12 January 2013.

"The Enchiridion of Erasmus." Indiana University Press. Indiana University, Web. 12 January 2013.

"Erasmus." Greatsite. Greatsite Marketing, Web. 12 January 2013.

Kreis, Steven. "Desiderius Erasmus, 1466-1536." The History Guide. 13 May 2004. Web. 12 January 2013.

"The Praise of Folly Summary." Gradesaver. Gradesaver, Web. 12 January 2013.