Humanism

Humanism

Scholars who were interested in studying ancient writings, in as near an original text as possible
Their aim was to discover the true meaning of the Bible, rather than accepting interpretations based on incomplete or inaccurate texts and translations
Encouraged challenging old ideas and a search for the truth
This was generally unwelcome by the RCC as the idea was that if you didn't follow the Church you'd go to hell
Not all Church people were against it - some realised that it was a chance to revitalise the Church and make a fresh start
As long as they didn't challenge the existing power structure within the Church, they were allowed to continue their studies
Erasmus
1. His reputation as a thinker and researcher was unsurpassed - his speciality was the study of the New Testament. Also insisted on studying the earliest manuscripts
2. Highlighted that some of the Church's teachings were based on translations which were inaccurate and worked hard to make it clear it was riddled with errors
3. Encouraged people to live Christ-like lives rather than teaching them to seek salvation through the practice of empty formalities
4. In Praise of Folly: ridiculed churchmen and the practices of the Church sarcastically. Became a bestseller and gained him admirers in all over Europe
5. Claimed that Erasmus created an atmosphere for change that Luther could exploit
6. Erasmus and other humanists refused to join Luther, preparing to stay in the Church and to campaign from within. He said: 'I laid a hen's egg but what Luther hatched was a bird of quite a different sort'
7. Erasmus' feelings weren't as strong as Luther's but he became severely annoyed with Luther's attacks
8. He only wanted to reform the Church, not challenge it
Some, including More, were prepared to die rather than renounce their allegiance to the Church

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	Created by lottelou96 over 11 years ago