This Dutch humanist was one of the giants of Renaissance scholarly thought. A widely traveled man, Erasmus taught in most of the important educational centers of Europe, including Paris, Oxford, Cambridge, and Basel. Though he had been ordained a priest in 1492, Erasmus developed into an important critic of the Catholic Church. While some of his work was seen as important for the grow of the Reform Church, he later became a critic of the Reformation and Martin Luther. His acclaimed works include Adagia, Handbook of a Christian Soldier, and In Praise of Folly .

Desiderius Erasmus, often known simply as Erasmus, was a Dutch Renaissance humanist, theologian, and scholar whose works laid the foundation for the Reformation and profoundly influenced the intellectual landscape of Europe. Born on October 28, 1466, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Erasmus was the illegitimate son of a Catholic priest and a physician's daughter. Despite the challenges of his early life, including his parents' early deaths and the financial struggles that followed, Erasmus rose to become one of the most celebrated thinkers of his time.

Erasmus's early education took place in monastic schools, where he developed a deep love for classical literature and languages. His proficiency in Latin, the scholarly lingua franca of the time, opened doors to higher learning and scholarly circles. However, his experiences in these religious institutions also led to a lifelong ambivalence toward the monastic life and the rigid dogmatism of the Catholic Church. This ambivalence would later inform much of his work, as he became a vocal critic of the Church's excesses while remaining committed to its core tenets.

After completing his education, Erasmus became an ordained priest, though he never took on the responsibilities of a parish. Instead, he pursued a life of scholarship and writing, traveling across Europe and immersing himself in the vibrant intellectual communities of Paris, Oxford, and Italy. His extensive travels allowed him to interact with some of the leading figures of the Renaissance, including Thomas More, with whom he formed a close friendship.

Erasmus's most significant contribution to the intellectual world was his work in the field of biblical scholarship. He was a strong advocate for ad fontes, or "return to the sources," which emphasized the study of original texts in their original languages. This approach was revolutionary at a time when most religious texts were interpreted through the lens of centuries-old Latin translations. Erasmus's critical edition of the New Testament, published in 1516, was the first of its kind. He meticulously compared existing Latin translations with Greek manuscripts, correcting errors and offering a more accurate version of the text. This work not only provided a more reliable foundation for theological study but also laid the groundwork for future reformers like Martin Luther, who used Erasmus's text in his own translation of the Bible into German.

Erasmus was also a prolific writer, known for his wit and eloquence. His most famous work, *In Praise of Folly* (1509), is a satirical critique of the corruption and superstition within the Church and society at large. Written in the form of a speech by Folly personified, the book uses humor to expose the absurdities of the time, particularly those found within the Church's hierarchy. *In Praise of Folly* became immensely popular and cemented Erasmus's reputation as a leading thinker of the Renaissance.

Despite his criticisms of the Church, Erasmus was not a radical. He believed in reform from within and was wary of the divisive tendencies of the more radical reformers like Luther. His desire for moderation and unity often put him at odds with both the Catholic Church and the emerging Protestant movement. Erasmus advocated for a Christianity based on reason, education, and a return to the simple teachings of Christ, rather than the elaborate rituals and dogmas that had come to dominate religious practice.

Erasmus's influence extended far beyond his lifetime. His works were instrumental in shaping the intellectual climate of the Reformation and the Enlightenment. He championed the idea that education and critical thinking were essential for a well-functioning society, and his humanist ideals helped to lay the foundation for modern Western thought.

Desiderius Erasmus died on July 12, 1536, in Basel, Switzerland, but his legacy as a scholar, humanist, and advocate for reform lives on. His emphasis on returning to the sources, promoting education, and advocating for a more reasoned and humane Christianity continues to resonate in modern discussions of religion and education.