If Desiderius Erasmus were alive today, what would he write about?

Question

Please answer correctly and explian what you think.

Answer 1

I think Desiderius Erasmus, if he were alive today, would still write in 'Praise of Folly.' Many things have changed since the 1500s, but in some parts of the world the individual's potential has yet to be reached. Whatever holds that individual back today; be they in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, or South America, and be it poverty, oppressive rule, lack of education and health care - millions upon millions of people need a humanist movement today as much as they needed it then.
Good question, jengram3!

Answer 2

I would imagine that he would maintain his positive criticism of the Catholic Church, working to internally correct the flaws of the Church (e.g. sex abuse scandal).

It also seems probable that he would be highly critical of the Fundamentalist Christian community, who although read the Bible often (As Erasmus encouraged), clearly, in the eyes of Erasmus, would have a misunderstanding of the Bible. While the Bible was translated for the use of the people, Erasmus was highly skilled in Latin and Greek, giving him the authority to translate and interpret the Bible correctly. The lack of classical trained priests, especially at the local level, was as it is today (branching off into Protestant sects as well, and perhaps more so) was heavily problematic during the Reformation.

Erasmus as a humanist would most definitely conflict with the moral relativity which has infected the majority of Western society. With a clear distinction between right and wrong, man is capable of discerning the moral truth through the use of his own reason. Erasmus being very socially conscious would most likely criticize the American people's political apathy, urging them to take a more active role in civics.

I do not pretend to be an Erasmus expert, but from what I understand of Erasmus as a Renaissance Humanist, sympathetic to some aspects of the Reformation yet remaining a Catholic his entire life, these are some aspects of society that he would probably commentate.

-Kerplunk!

Answer 3

about religion and all that stuff.