Both Erasmus and Luther
implored rhetoric using the scriptures in a similar way. They would introduce a
topic and then go straight to the bible to add validity to their words.
Expounding upon the scripture they had just referenced, they would attempt to
make their point by stating their interpretation of what had been said. This
style reminded me of the Montaigne style essay we recently did where we started
with a quote and then talked about or thoughts on it.
Although they did not agree
with one another they did show outward respect to each other. One aspect I
think is important to note is that they had tolerance for the others belief an
opinion even if they didn't agree with it. This freedom to express a belief
that is different to the norm and not be punished impacted the protestant
reformation. It allowed more and more people to stand up for what they thought
to be right and live according to it.
Desiderius Erasmus argued
his perspective on free will from a Christian humanistic point of view. He
pointed out how the bible tells us and shows us what we should do and the way
we should do things. The Church also aids us in knowing what we should do in
this life. Erasmus illustrates how we need to act in order to fulfill what we have
been instructed to do. The responsibility to act rests with man and God has
given us the power to act and fulfill all the commandments that God has given
us.
Based on the amount of
logical persuasion Erasmus used, I would have to say that I think his argument
was much more influential. He had a plethora of proof from the scriptures that
he brought to the argument and effectively explained it.
His argument may have seemed more influential because it was more generally accepted and less radical. It is easy to misunderstand Luther's argument as well by the way that Erasmus had painted it. Luther concedes at the end of his argument that man has free will in many trivial things in life, just not concerning matters pertaining to salvation.
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