Desiderius Erasmus
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, known as Erasmus or Erasmus of Rotterdam, was a Dutch Christian humanist who is widely considered to have been the greatest scholar of the northern Renaissance. Originally trained as a Catholic priest, Erasmus was an important figure in classi…
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What is Erasmus best known for?
Erasmus, in full Desiderius Erasmus, (born October 27, 1469 [1466?], Rotterdam, Holland [now in the Netherlands]—died July 12, 1536, Basel, Switzerland), Dutch humanist who was the greatest scholar of the northern Renaissance, the first editor of the New Testament, and also an important figure in patristics and ...
What did Erasmus contribute to the renaissance?
He was one of the greatest scholars of the renaissance time. Erasmus contributed to the Renaissance by revising ancient works and translating them into Greek and Latin such as the Bible. Erasmus also contributed to the Reformation by calling for reform in the Church through his various satirical works.
How did Erasmus impact the Reformation?
Erasmus paves way for Luther Erasmus began publishing his books widely beginning in 1500, about 50 years after the first printed books appeared in Germany. He helped create an audience for Luther's writings by popularizing Christian topics, such as how to be a good Christian and how to interpret the Bible.
Who is known as the father of Renaissance?
The correct option is B Petrarch. Petrarch laid the foundation to Renaissance humanism through his writings, and he came to be known as the father of the Renaissance.
How did Desiderius Erasmus prepare Europe for the Reformation?
How did Desiderius Erasmus help to prepare Europe for the Reformation? His attacks on church corruption added to people's desire to leave Catholicism. Why did Martin Luther write the Ninety-Five Theses and post them on the door of the church in Wittenberg?
What was Erasmus's legacy?
Humanist Legacy Erasmus died on 12 July 1536 in Basel. He may have failed to build support for a middle ground between traditional Catholics and Reformists but the greatest legacy of his scholarship and long writing career was his contribution to the philosophical movement known as humanism.
What did Erasmus contribute to the Bible?
In his preface, Erasmus wrote of the importance of recovering true spirituality by recovering the true text of the Bible. At this time, he also began a Latin translation of the New Testament from the Greek, correcting errors in the Latin Vulgate used throughout the western Church for a thousand years.
Who was Erasmus and what did he do?
Erasmus, in full Desiderius Erasmus, (born October 27, 1469 [1466?], Rotterdam, Holland [now in the Netherlands]—died July 12, 1536, Basel, Switzerland), Dutch humanist who was the greatest scholar of the northern Renaissance, the first editor of the New Testament, and also an important figure in patristics and …
What was Desiderius Erasmus most famous work?
The Praise of Folly Desiderius Erasmus The Praise of Folly is one of the most important books of Renaissance Humanism and one of the most perfect expressions of the sentiments and philosophy of its author, Desiderius Erasmus.
What is the origin of the name Erasmus?
The distinguished German surname Erasmus is derived from the Greek term “erasmos,” meaning “loved,” and was initially used as a personal name. It was most likely originally borne as a surname by the son of someone named Erasmus or a variation of it.
What did Erasmus teach?
Born in Rotterdam, orphaned by the plague, Erasmus was sent from the chapter school of St. Lebuin's—which taught classical learning and the humanities—to a school conducted by the monastic Brethren of the Common Life. He absorbed an emphasis on a personal relationship with God but hated the severe rules of monastic life and the intolerant theologians. They intended to teach humility, he later recalled, by breaking the pupils' spirits.
Why did Erasmus join the Augustinians?
He wanted to travel, gain some academic elbow room, and leave behind the "barbarians" who discouraged him from classical studies. And as soon as he was ordained a priest in 1492, he did, becoming secretary to the bishop of Cambrai, who sent him to Paris to study theology.
What language did Erasmus write in the New Testament?
Thereafter Erasmus devoted himself to the Greek language, in which the New Testament was written. "I cannot tell you, dear Colet, how I hurry on, with all sails set, to holy literature," he soon wrote to his new friend. "How I dislike everything that keeps me back, or retards me."
What did the son of a Dutch priest do?
This illegitimate son of a Dutch priest lived in search of knowledge, in pursuit of piety, in love with books, and oppressed by the fear of poverty. Along the way, his writings and scholarship started a theological earthquake that didn't stop until western European Christendom was split.
Did Erasmus and Luther ever meet?
The two never met, but their fates were entwined for all history. Erasmus's enemies accused him of inspiring the schismatic Luther. And indeed, Erasmus found much he liked in the German's writings, describing him to Leo X as "a mighty trumpet of gospel truth." At the same time, he privately told his printer to stop printing Luther's writings because he didn't want his own efforts tangled with the Reformer's.
Who was the monk who praised Erasmus?
Two of the most noteworthy praises of Erasmus's work came from Pope Leo X and from a German monk named Martin Luther —who, one year later, would launch the Protestant Reformation.
Did Erasmus agree with the Pope?
For four years, Erasmus pleaded moderation to both sides. But when pressed, he sided with the pope. "I am not so made as to fly in the face of the Vicar of Christ," he assured Leo.
Who Was Erasmus?
Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam was one of Europe's most famous and influential scholars. A man of great intellect who rose from meager beginnings to become one of Europe's greatest thinkers, he defined the humanist movement in Northern Europe. His translation to Greek of the New Testament brought on a theological revolution, and his views on the Reformation tempered its more radical elements.
What was Erasmus's life like?
Erasmus's life changed dramatically when he became secretary for Henry de Bergen, bishop of Chambray, who was impressed with his skill in Latin. The bishop enabled Erasmus to travel to Paris, France, to study classical literature and Latin, and it was there that he was introduced to Renaissance humanism.
What was the Protestant Reformation?
The Protestant Reformation erupted with the publication of Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses in 1517. For the next 10 years, Erasmus would be embroiled in an intellectual debate over human nature, free will and religion. Though Erasmus supported Protestant ideals, he was against the radicalism of some of its leaders, and, in 1523, he condemned Luther's methods in his work De libero arbitrio.
How did Erasmus die?
On July 12, 1536, during preparations for a move to the Netherlands, Erasmus fell ill and died from an attack of dysentery. Though he remained loyal to the Church of Rome, he did not receive last rites, and there is no evidence that he asked for a priest.
What happened to Erasmus after his parents died?
After his parents died in 1483 from the plague, Erasmus was put into the care of guardians, who were adamant about him becoming a monk. While he gained a personal relationship with God, he rejected the harsh rules and strict methods of the religious teachers of the time.
What is Jan Vermeer best known for?
Dutch Golden-Age artist Jan Vermeer is best known for his Delft paintings, including 'The Love Letter' and 'View of Delft,' and his 'pearl pictures,' like 'Girl with a Pearl Earring.'
Where was Erasmus born?
Most historians believe that he was born Gerard Gerardson in 1466 (with many noting his probable birthdate as October 27) in Rotterdam, Holland. His father, believed to be Roger Gerard, was a priest, and his mother was named Margaret, the daughter of a physician. He was christened with the name "Erasmus," meaning "beloved.".
