Christian humanists
For Sir Thomas More
Both Thomas More and Desiderius Erasmus were prominent scholars of the Renaissance period, known for their humanist ideals and emphasis on education and moral philosophy. They shared a mutual respect for classical literature and a commitment to reforming the Church, advocating for a more personal and ethical spirituality. Additionally, they collaborated on various intellectual endeavors, including the publication of Erasmus's "In Praise of Folly," which critiqued societal and ecclesiastical practices. Their friendship exemplified the blending of humanism and religious thought during the Renaissance.
F. Pijper has demonstrated that the great difference between the Lutheran Reformation and the early Dutch Reformation was due to the influence of the writings of Erasmus on the Dutch clergy. (There's probably more, but I'm just doing my social project and this is what I got so far. Sorry.)
Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch Renaissance humanist whose contributions significantly impacted literature, theology, and education. He is best known for his works such as "In Praise of Folly," which criticized church practices and emphasized the importance of a personal faith. Erasmus also edited the Greek New Testament, which played a crucial role in the Reformation by making biblical texts more accessible. His advocacy for scholarship, critical thinking, and moral reform laid the groundwork for modern humanism and educational practices.
They were both Humanists as well as good friends. They both preferred reason, studying of source material and 'truth' to (church) doctrine, and were both critical of abuses within the Catholic church: Erasmus dedicated his famous book on this subject, "The praise of folly" , to Thomas More. They both nevertheless argued against a split in the Catholic church and were consequently no friends of the Protestant movement.
Desiderius Erasmus and Thomas More both called for reform.
They were Christian humanists.
how did Erasmus, Rabelais, and Thomas More contribute to Christian Humanism
Satire
Desiderius Erasmus, Thomas More, and Francois Rabelais were prominent humanist thinkers of the Renaissance period. Erasmus was a Dutch theologian and scholar known for his critical edition of the New Testament. Thomas More was an English statesman and author of "Utopia," a work of political and social commentary. Francois Rabelais was a French writer and humanist known for his satirical works, particularly the "Gargantua and Pantagruel" series.
one of the most prominent intellectuals and thinkers of England in the fifteenth and sixteenth century e.g. John Colet, Desiderius Erasmus, and Thomas More.
Desiderius Erasmus described the leadership of the pope as more spiritual and less political. The Pontiff is to be the voice of God on Earth, free from political motives, ruling on strictly spiritual matters.
Christian humanism, as advocated by figures like Thomas More and Desiderius Erasmus, emphasized the importance of integrating Christian values with the pursuit of knowledge and education. More's book "Utopia" critiqued the social and political structures of his time while promoting principles of justice and equality. Erasmus focused on reforming the Catholic Church by promoting scholarship, moral introspection, and a return to the teachings of the Bible. Both thinkers believed in the potential for human reason and intellect to lead to a more just and harmonious society infused with Christian ethics.
That probably depends on who you ask, but a good argument could be made for Erasmus (Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus) who lived from 1466-1536.
Both were Considered humanists
For Sir Thomas More
Desiderius Erasmus criticized excessive rituals in the Church, advocating for a return to simpler and more genuine forms of worship. He believed that the focus should be on inner piety and devotion rather than elaborate ceremonies and traditions. Erasmus emphasized the importance of understanding the true meaning behind rituals rather than blindly following them.