Catholic Reformation: Humanist Reform or Radical Reconstruction?

Catholic Reformation: Humanist Reform or Radical Reconstruction?


During the Renaissance in Italy, Catholic Reformation was a major topic of debate. Both Martin Luther and Desiderius Erasmus argue that the Catholic Church practiced immoral ideologies, however, they disagree on the extent to which the Church is guilty and should be reformed. In the book, In Praise of Folly (1509), Erasmus claims that one cannot buy salvation because salvation is only attained through good deeds. Luther holds that scripture is the only and final Word. He takes a more radical approach and goes so far as to claim not only that the church is guilty of misconduct, but also that the pope’s power is based on a false doctrine. Aware that the Catholic clergy, guilty of immoral conduct, abused its power to maintain wealth and control, both Erasmus and Luther endeavored to reform Catholicism. However, Erasmus concludes that reformation of certain foundations in the existing structure is preferable, while Luther justifies renouncing Catholicism altogether by invoking the infallible Word as the only truth, and faith as the only means to salvation.

Erasmus and Luther articulate different grievances they believe are apparent within the Catholic Church. Erasmus focuses on the inappropriate action of a few priests. He illustrates an example of a foolish or evil person, “who thinks that if he throws into the collection basket one coin from all his plunder, the whole cesspool of his sinful life will be immediately wiped out”(Erasmus, 3). Erasmus asserts that, of course, one cannot find salvation from sinful actions if one continues to act sinfully, and no amount of money can change that fact. Though this is true, he argues, certain priests in the church are perpetuating the idea that one can buy saCatholic Reformation: Humanist Reform or Radical Reconstruction?lvation because, “many emoluments accumulate from this source,” that contribute to the increased wealth of certain men in the church (3). Erasmus criticizes this behavior and its demands...

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