Desiderius Erasmus ( 1466-1536 )
A Dutch scholar, humanist, and theologian.
Was ordained a Catholic priest, but never practiced priestly duties.
Studied, instead, theology and classical Greek at the universities of Paris
and Cambridge.
Was critical of some of the practices and doctrines of the Catholic Church.
Sought to reform the Catholic Church.
In Praise of Folly - by Erasmus
Written in Latin in 1509
Best-seller (only the Bible sold more by 1550)
Erasmus was a devout Catholic who sought to reform the Church, not destroy it
Criticized immorality and hypocrisy of Church leaders and the clergy
The book inspired renewed calls for reform, and influenced Martin Luther