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Erasmus of Christendom
Book by Bainton, Roland Herbert
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
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98 people want to read
About the author
Roland H. Bainton
79 books44 followersRoland Herbert Bainton, Ph.D. (Yale University; A.B., Whitman College), served forty-two years as Titus Street Professor of Ecclesiastical History at Yale Divinity School. A specialist in Reformation history, he continued writing well into his twenty years of retirement. His most popular book, Here I Stand, sold more than a million copies.
Ordained as a Congregationist minister, he never served as the pastor of a congregation.
Ordained as a Congregationist minister, he never served as the pastor of a congregation.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 8, 2024
I have long been drawn to Erasmus on a number of counts. I share his aversion to contention, his abhorrence of war, his wistful skepticism with respect to that which transcends the verifiable…I relish his whimsicality and satire.
Roland H. Bainton, from the Preface
I too, am drawn to Erasmus for the reasons the author states in his preface. He was a remarkable man, a remarkable mind. As the first widely published author after the invention of the printing press, Erasmus became a celebrity scholar, the original public intellectual of the Northern Renaissance.
”No man in Europe had so many friends in high places in Church, state, and school. He was invited to take up his residence in the entourage of crowned and mitered heads, of kings and emperors, burgomasters and town councillors, cardinals and popes.”
I find Erasmus the most fascinating man of his age, greater in wit, reason, and wisdom than his famous contemporaries, Thomas More and Martin Luther. Bainton draws a comparison between Erasmus and Luther in their shared monastic experiences, which I find illustrative of this point:
”Luther entered the monastery to save his soul by good works, Erasmus to enlighten his mind by good books.”
But despite his stature among his contemporaries, despite his contributions to lasting scholarship (his dual Latin/Greek translations of The New Testament became the foundation of the Luther Bible, the Tyndale Bible, and the King James Bible), despite his remarkable (and still humorous) satire In Praise of Folly, Erasmus has been far more neglected than other great men of his era, and that largely because he attempted a wise middle course in the great conflict we call the Reformation. His non belligerence left him as no one’s hero and no one’s saint.
”Erasmus, ever the prophet of peace, pled, exhorted, and essayed the role of mediator with fruitless persistence. He drew fire from both sides in the controversies and ended his days as both the arbiter and the outlaw of Christendom.”
So it was with great excitement that I came to Roland Bainton’s book, hoping to find the scattered, fascinating facts I knew of Erasmus drawn together into a dramatic biography. Bainton had done just that with his excellent bio of Martin Luther, Here I Stand, and I expected no less here. I was left disappointed. The book is uneven and disjointed, never really jelling into a dramatic flow. It was pieced together from five, separate lectures, which perhaps explains both its disjointed feel and it tendency toward a dry, academic tone. There is definitely valuable information here on the great Erasmus, but a great biography this is not.
Roland H. Bainton, from the Preface
I too, am drawn to Erasmus for the reasons the author states in his preface. He was a remarkable man, a remarkable mind. As the first widely published author after the invention of the printing press, Erasmus became a celebrity scholar, the original public intellectual of the Northern Renaissance.
”No man in Europe had so many friends in high places in Church, state, and school. He was invited to take up his residence in the entourage of crowned and mitered heads, of kings and emperors, burgomasters and town councillors, cardinals and popes.”
I find Erasmus the most fascinating man of his age, greater in wit, reason, and wisdom than his famous contemporaries, Thomas More and Martin Luther. Bainton draws a comparison between Erasmus and Luther in their shared monastic experiences, which I find illustrative of this point:
”Luther entered the monastery to save his soul by good works, Erasmus to enlighten his mind by good books.”
But despite his stature among his contemporaries, despite his contributions to lasting scholarship (his dual Latin/Greek translations of The New Testament became the foundation of the Luther Bible, the Tyndale Bible, and the King James Bible), despite his remarkable (and still humorous) satire In Praise of Folly, Erasmus has been far more neglected than other great men of his era, and that largely because he attempted a wise middle course in the great conflict we call the Reformation. His non belligerence left him as no one’s hero and no one’s saint.
”Erasmus, ever the prophet of peace, pled, exhorted, and essayed the role of mediator with fruitless persistence. He drew fire from both sides in the controversies and ended his days as both the arbiter and the outlaw of Christendom.”
So it was with great excitement that I came to Roland Bainton’s book, hoping to find the scattered, fascinating facts I knew of Erasmus drawn together into a dramatic biography. Bainton had done just that with his excellent bio of Martin Luther, Here I Stand, and I expected no less here. I was left disappointed. The book is uneven and disjointed, never really jelling into a dramatic flow. It was pieced together from five, separate lectures, which perhaps explains both its disjointed feel and it tendency toward a dry, academic tone. There is definitely valuable information here on the great Erasmus, but a great biography this is not.
January 30, 2020
Europa, 1466. Ano do nascimento de Erasmo de Roterdão. Príncipe do Humanismo.
31 de Outubro de 1517: Martinho Lutero afixa as suas “Theses” na porta da Igreja do Castelo em Wittenberg; o Papa Leão desconsiderou esta extravagância do frade agostinho Martinho Lutero e encarou-a como uma mera querela entre as ordens monásticas. Iniciava-se um capítulo negro no domínio católico da Europa Ocidental.
Este livro é absolutamente magnífico. Se eu me tivesse apenas ficado pela leitura das obras de Erasmo, teria perdido muito. Fiquei absolutamente fascinada com a capacidade deste autor em lidar com a originalidade de Erasmo. Contextualizando historicamente a vida de Erasmo (e não podemos compreendê-la cabalmente sem percebermos a Reforma Protestante e Martinho Lutero), inclui preciosas imagens, destacando trechos das cartas de Erasmo, apresentando-nos uma preciosa biografia deste brilhante humanista europeu.
"Não nos devoremos uns aos outros como peixes. Porquê transformar o mundo todo por causa de paradoxos, alguns ininteligíveis, alguns discutíveis, alguns sem proveito? ... Não é grande proeza queimar um pobre homem. É uma grande façanha persuadi-lo."
Hoje em dia os ânimos contemporâneos estão mais serenos, mas aquela era uma altura onde inflamadas discussões sobre a Ceia do Senhor (a presença- ou não- do corpo de Cristo em cada Ceia) podiam trazer dissabores a uns quantos, e por muito pouco se matava um homem.
Erasmo é chamado a tomar partido nesta complexa Escolástica: "... suplico-te, imploro-te, Erasmo, a própria Igreja suplica-te e implora-te que lutes contra esta hidra e mergulhes a espada do Espírito nas entranhas deste Cérbero [Lutero]." Cérbero este de quem Erasmo já havia dito que apenas cometera dois pecados: "desferiu um golpe contra a tiara do papa e outro contra a barriga dos monges."
O livro desenvolve profundamente estes temas e apresenta-nos um Erasmo mais preocupado com a paz de que com os demagogos, mais empenhado numa Europa humanista.
Muito bom. Uma lição de escolástica, história e humanismo.
31 de Outubro de 1517: Martinho Lutero afixa as suas “Theses” na porta da Igreja do Castelo em Wittenberg; o Papa Leão desconsiderou esta extravagância do frade agostinho Martinho Lutero e encarou-a como uma mera querela entre as ordens monásticas. Iniciava-se um capítulo negro no domínio católico da Europa Ocidental.
Este livro é absolutamente magnífico. Se eu me tivesse apenas ficado pela leitura das obras de Erasmo, teria perdido muito. Fiquei absolutamente fascinada com a capacidade deste autor em lidar com a originalidade de Erasmo. Contextualizando historicamente a vida de Erasmo (e não podemos compreendê-la cabalmente sem percebermos a Reforma Protestante e Martinho Lutero), inclui preciosas imagens, destacando trechos das cartas de Erasmo, apresentando-nos uma preciosa biografia deste brilhante humanista europeu.
"Não nos devoremos uns aos outros como peixes. Porquê transformar o mundo todo por causa de paradoxos, alguns ininteligíveis, alguns discutíveis, alguns sem proveito? ... Não é grande proeza queimar um pobre homem. É uma grande façanha persuadi-lo."
Hoje em dia os ânimos contemporâneos estão mais serenos, mas aquela era uma altura onde inflamadas discussões sobre a Ceia do Senhor (a presença- ou não- do corpo de Cristo em cada Ceia) podiam trazer dissabores a uns quantos, e por muito pouco se matava um homem.
Erasmo é chamado a tomar partido nesta complexa Escolástica: "... suplico-te, imploro-te, Erasmo, a própria Igreja suplica-te e implora-te que lutes contra esta hidra e mergulhes a espada do Espírito nas entranhas deste Cérbero [Lutero]." Cérbero este de quem Erasmo já havia dito que apenas cometera dois pecados: "desferiu um golpe contra a tiara do papa e outro contra a barriga dos monges."
O livro desenvolve profundamente estes temas e apresenta-nos um Erasmo mais preocupado com a paz de que com os demagogos, mais empenhado numa Europa humanista.
Muito bom. Uma lição de escolástica, história e humanismo.
July 16, 2021
2021 reads: #27
Rating: 5 Stars
Roland Bainton expertly weaves together a narrative of the career of Erasmus, often allowing Erasmus to speak in his own words, but also occasionally adding insightful evaluations.
This is a vibrant account of a man who could be described as a cultivated Christian. He sought to integrate the Christian faith with classical learning, emphasizing the piety of imitating Christ. Erasmus was not afraid to live with theological tensions. As the religious wars ,partly instigated by the Reformation, were brewing, he endeavored to be a voice of moderation between opposing perspectives.
Here we have a man of learning, and we are still benefiting from his labours. Erasmus remained a Catholic until his death, and yet his Protestant sympathies were obvious. His is a cautionary tale of arguing from the middle. He laid the egg that Luther hatched. Despite various attempts to claim him he ultimately belongs to Christendom.
Rating: 5 Stars
Roland Bainton expertly weaves together a narrative of the career of Erasmus, often allowing Erasmus to speak in his own words, but also occasionally adding insightful evaluations.
This is a vibrant account of a man who could be described as a cultivated Christian. He sought to integrate the Christian faith with classical learning, emphasizing the piety of imitating Christ. Erasmus was not afraid to live with theological tensions. As the religious wars ,partly instigated by the Reformation, were brewing, he endeavored to be a voice of moderation between opposing perspectives.
Here we have a man of learning, and we are still benefiting from his labours. Erasmus remained a Catholic until his death, and yet his Protestant sympathies were obvious. His is a cautionary tale of arguing from the middle. He laid the egg that Luther hatched. Despite various attempts to claim him he ultimately belongs to Christendom.
April 25, 2019
This is a fascinating biography of a key figure leading up to the Reformation. Erasmus is often referred to in the drama, and sometimes his writings are referenced, but a full picture of who he was is rarely painted. This book gives good insight.
Two key takeaways from the book are this:
1. Erasmus grew to become the most influential biblical scholar of his generation (partly because of his relatively long life). He was a product of the Renaissance and valued the study of the ancient texts (Christian and classic) in their original languages. ( He sought to reform Europe through promoting education. He saw how far the church had ventured from the faith of Jesus and Jerome, and abhorred the abuse of power in the Roman Catholic Church. His nature and his learning led him to continually seek "concord" (i.e. harmony and unity) between the different factions. But his students were some of the most radical in the dispute. He started a reform that led to a revolution ("The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.");
2. Luther's initial action was viewed by the Pope in Rome (a long way away) as a theological squabble between an Augustinian monk (influenced by the Renaissance) and a Dominican monk (who was a conservative supporting the Pope by selling indulgences). It's hard, as a leader, to discern the significant events among these seeds. Who would have imagined that THIS conflict would lead to the Reformation, especially since there were plenty of others (including Erasmus) espousing similar views as Luther at the time. Some say that Erasmus wrote Luther's objections first!
Two key takeaways from the book are this:
1. Erasmus grew to become the most influential biblical scholar of his generation (partly because of his relatively long life). He was a product of the Renaissance and valued the study of the ancient texts (Christian and classic) in their original languages. ( He sought to reform Europe through promoting education. He saw how far the church had ventured from the faith of Jesus and Jerome, and abhorred the abuse of power in the Roman Catholic Church. His nature and his learning led him to continually seek "concord" (i.e. harmony and unity) between the different factions. But his students were some of the most radical in the dispute. He started a reform that led to a revolution ("The most disadvantageous peace is better than the most just war.");
2. Luther's initial action was viewed by the Pope in Rome (a long way away) as a theological squabble between an Augustinian monk (influenced by the Renaissance) and a Dominican monk (who was a conservative supporting the Pope by selling indulgences). It's hard, as a leader, to discern the significant events among these seeds. Who would have imagined that THIS conflict would lead to the Reformation, especially since there were plenty of others (including Erasmus) espousing similar views as Luther at the time. Some say that Erasmus wrote Luther's objections first!
April 20, 2019
Over 40 years ago one of my professors recommended that I read Roland Bainton. I think he was meant Bainton's work on Luther but this book about Erasmus was worth it too. Erasmus was right in the middle of the Renaissance and the Reformation. His ideas were far ahead of the most of the educated world. He was for toleration, peace and openness at a time when heretics were still burned at the stake and political enemies of kings were beheaded. Erasmus stood in the middle, friends with Henry VIII and Thomas More and several Popes. His work on the New Testament paved the way for scholars to look at it critically. His humor and satire still make me laugh nearly 500 years later. I think Bainton has really done justice to Erasmus. Other writers accused Erasmus of having a weak character because he avoided conflict and in some cases refused to take a stand. Some in the reformed party thought he was weak because he would not leave the Catholic Church. Others in the Catholic party claimed that Erasmus failed the Church because he would not condemn the reformers and had many reformation ideas himself. I have read several books about Erasmus and I would like to say that Erasmus of Christendom is one of the better ones.
August 29, 2020
Great research and a mastery of primary source material written by Erasmus himself. If one wants a solid biography on the great Renaissance Humanist, then Bainton offers an excellent tool for that end. The book begins with his early years in Holland, England, and Paris and takes the reader throughout his life to his final days. Bainton takes the reader through Erasmus' interactions with Colet, Moore, Catherine of Aragon, Julius II, Farel, and Luther. One cultivates a real sympathy for Erasmus by reading this book as one can see his sympathy for reform with his love for piety and his church. The Humanist of the Humanists, one will gain a great respect for Erasmus from this biography.
My main quibble is that it is hard to find the flow of thought at times throughout the book. If one is not paying much attention, one may fall into the Tiber from a long cliff! The language is fine, it is a bit stuffy and scholarly at times, but it is the flow of thought that can be hard to follow. If one wants a good introduction to the thought and life of Erasmus, the man behind compilation of the Textus Receptus, then this book is an excellent starting point!
My main quibble is that it is hard to find the flow of thought at times throughout the book. If one is not paying much attention, one may fall into the Tiber from a long cliff! The language is fine, it is a bit stuffy and scholarly at times, but it is the flow of thought that can be hard to follow. If one wants a good introduction to the thought and life of Erasmus, the man behind compilation of the Textus Receptus, then this book is an excellent starting point!
September 18, 2019
Well researched and well written, this biography is a great introduction to the eminently cosmopolitan Erasmus of Rotterdam. Bainton presents the life of the Christian Humanist par excellence while interweaving a lucid and focused profile of Erasmian thought: concord, humanitas, warm-hearted piety, and universalism in germ form. The comparison to the thunderous Luther is fascinating at all points of the book. Bainton’s reliance on primary sources lends seriousness and authority to his research and writing. This book serves as an introduction both to Erasmus and to the early years of the Protestant Reformation and Catholic response.
May 6, 2025
I have to confess that when I read this book 4 years ago I gave it an "excellent" rating, but today I can barely remember it.
Perhaps I should reread it as Erasmus a remarkable thinker who when compared to Luther gets an unfair wrap as some kind of establishment character, but as the saying goes, "Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched."
Perhaps I should reread it as Erasmus a remarkable thinker who when compared to Luther gets an unfair wrap as some kind of establishment character, but as the saying goes, "Erasmus laid the egg that Luther hatched."
May 25, 2018
Dr. Blainton skillfully weaves the history of the man with his thoughts and writings that follow the course of his life. Great detail on his interaction with Luther and other contemporary reformers. Such a great read !
June 26, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed another book by this author. I have wanted to read a biography about Erasmus for years and glad I found this by a great author. Definitely scholarly and harder to pick up and put down due to style of writing. However, I thoroughly enjoyed!
January 1, 2020
Excellent book. Erasmus was a very interesting person and this is a good treatment of his life.
February 25, 2020
A curiously disordered book which at times was very thought provoking but at times uncertain in where it was going.
October 23, 2020
Great intro to the Renaissance through the eyes of Erasmus.
March 12, 2025
Informative but a bit of a bore
November 11, 2013
I recently read Karl Barth in The Epistle to the Romans slight Erasmus of Rotterdam. Erasmus seems to be a figure everyone enjoys thinking pretty lowly of--both in his own day and in ours. He refused to take sides--neither for nor against Luther, criticizing the Roman church yet refusing to make his exit.
I feel a certain kinship with Erasmus. The devotio moderna of his adolescence left its mark in Erasmus' lifelong insistence that the imitation of Jesus is the heart of Christianity. Ceremonies, doctrine--they were all secondary, helpful at points but often complicating rather than aiding faith.
But next to this spiritualizing piety, a devotion to scholarship also shaped Erasmus. Sometimes this bolstered his spirituality, and sometimes the classics he so loved pulled and pushed and picked at his faith.
Until I read Roland Bainton's biography (with illustrations!), I thought of his Novum Instrumentum omen as his great work--the first printed and widely-distributed critical Greek text of the New Testament. Bainton's biography, however, displaced the NT with Erasmus' astounding correspondence suing for peace in a variety of conflicts (national and interpersonal). According to Bainton, this desire for concord lay very close to Erasmus' heart.
I feel a certain kinship with Erasmus. The devotio moderna of his adolescence left its mark in Erasmus' lifelong insistence that the imitation of Jesus is the heart of Christianity. Ceremonies, doctrine--they were all secondary, helpful at points but often complicating rather than aiding faith.
But next to this spiritualizing piety, a devotion to scholarship also shaped Erasmus. Sometimes this bolstered his spirituality, and sometimes the classics he so loved pulled and pushed and picked at his faith.
Until I read Roland Bainton's biography (with illustrations!), I thought of his Novum Instrumentum omen as his great work--the first printed and widely-distributed critical Greek text of the New Testament. Bainton's biography, however, displaced the NT with Erasmus' astounding correspondence suing for peace in a variety of conflicts (national and interpersonal). According to Bainton, this desire for concord lay very close to Erasmus' heart.
April 20, 2008
A scholar's work poorly written. His biography of Luther was much better. Transitions between discussions of Erasmus' theology and literature and his biography are exceptionally poorly done. One does not finish this book with any better of an understanding of Erasmus and his thought nor of how to interpret his life.
September 7, 2017
I found Erasmus to be likable and a hero of either the Protestants or the Catholics: neither could really decide which! Bainton did an excellent job of revealing his subject's evangelical thot, creativity, and prolific academic writing and correspondence. Highly recommended!
November 6, 2012
Based on a series of lectures that the author gave. Gives a fairly decent overview of Erasmus's life as well as a look into his ideas and how they influenced his time period.
June 19, 2016
Interesting; This is a good book. However, I concur with other reviewers that Bainton is at his best in his Luther biography.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews