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Erasmus And Luther: Criticism On The Study Of The Church

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Erasmus And Luther: Criticism On The Study Of The Church
Andy Hernandez
Period 2
9/3/12
Thematic Essay
During the time of the renaissance, there was the birth of humanism, the study of the Latin and Greek classics. During this time, people such as Erasmus and Luther became able to think for themselves instead of following the church. This led to criticism against the church and its guidance. The quote “Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched” Refers to the idea of criticizing the church that Erasmus “laid” which Luther then “hatched” by doing the same and taking action.
Erasmus, Desiderius a humanist, criticized the deeds of the church such as monks blindly reciting prayers and the sale of indulgences. For example, when in the book it states” Erasmus, though his life and work, made clear that many loyal catholic’s wanted major reforms in the church long before the Reformation made them a reality”. This supports the fact that Erasmus criticizes the church with the sale of indulgences to citizens to repent for their sins. In addition, Erasmus also
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Like Erasmus, Luther also criticized the church on its practices to get into heaven. But in addition, determined that entrance into heaven was not based on ones good deeds but of faith in god and his grace and mercy. For example, the book states “The righteousness that God demands he concluded did not result from charitable acts and religious ceremonies but was given in full measure to any and all who believe in and trust Jesus Christ as their perfect righteousness satisfying god (320) This supports that Luther strongly believed that It was ones faith in god and gods grace and mercy that allowed one into heaven. This idea was similar to the thoughts of Erasmus who laid the “egg” of criticism against the church, but it was Luther who “hatched” this egg taking the thoughts of Erasmus a step further and stating that it was ones faith in god that allowed them entrance onto heaven rather than their good

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