Compl(i/e)menting Adversaries

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." -Proverbs 27:17

Erasmus's piece "The Free Will" and Luther's response "The Bondage of the Will" constitute an interesting exchange. Erasmus says of Luther: "Luther's argument is presented with every means at his disposal and presented with great verve." Luther says of Erasmus: "I concede to you openly, a thing I have never done before, that you not only surpass me by far in literary prowess and intellectuality... but that you have in two ways also dampened my spirits and impetuousness, and slackened my strength before the battle began." They seem like such complimentary fellows. Luther in particular heaps on the praise to his contender Erasmus. But despite the flowery flattery the writings contain an almost sarcastic tone. They build each other up only to emphasize that even though the arguer of the opposite view possesses far greater talent than themselves the truth wins out because it simply is the truth. This rhetorical technique is shamelessly used in their open letters to one another.

Also fascinating is how complementary they describe their opposition as being. Says Luther, "For although you write wrongly concerning free will, I owe you no small thanks, because you have confirmed my own view. Seeing the case for free will argued with such great talents, yet leaving it worse that it was before, is an evident proof that free will is a downright lie." And Erasmus, "I am ready to learn from anyone who advances something more accurate or more reliable, though I would rather persuade mediocre minds not to argue too stubbornly on such matters." Each finds merit in the other's argument for the idea that it actually strengthens their own. They are to each other the most thorough vetters of their words. Their discussion could be seen as the fulfillment on the biblical verse, "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." (Proverbs 27:17). These rhetorical devices add greatly not only to the content but the presentation of their messages.