VIRTUOUS LIVING - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

saints. He observed in one of his teachings, “Do you honour the bones of Paul hid inthe shrine, and a piece of his carcass shining through glass, and not regard the wholemind of Paul shining through his letters?” (Helm 1961:32). He argued that the gospel,if translated and learnt by heart by all people in their different levels of social strata,had the potential to positively influence religious unity, bringing to an end religiouscontroversy. By this argument, Erasmus brought into rational thinking thecontribution of faith in “showing people the right course of action for them to follow”(Helm 1961:33), and in this way his work shows an affinity with the rationalphilosophers of the 18 th century.Erasmus also supported Martin Luther’s reformation stance, although he consideredhim to be “rude” in his approach. However, his rationale was that Luther was on theside of the truth and therefore needed support, or else everyone, including the truth,would be silenced forever. In a satire, Erasmus comments:Luther has been sent into the world by the genius of discord. Everycorner is disturbed by him. All admit that the corruption of thechurch requires a drastic medicine. But drugs wrongly given, makethe sick man worse (1521). (Helm 1961:34).Helm, in his thorough analysis of Erasmus’ writings, observes that these writingsprogressively “instigated” Luther leading to the event when Luther attached his thesisto the cathedral door. It is argued by Helm that it was Erasmus who produced theReformation (cf Helm 1961:30–40). Erasmus insisted on translation of the Scripturesso that people might have a clear knowledge of Christ and follow him. In his satiricalwriting and preaching, he exposed the immorality of the church leadership, poorteaching, and over-emphasis on rituals rather then moral change. It was out of thisperiod that Martin Luther arose. Erasmus had cautiously approved of Luther’s truthfulutterances when he said:Luther has said many things excellently well. I could wish that he would beless rude in his manner. He would have strong support behind him, andmight do real good. But at any rate, unless we stand by him when he is rightno one hereafter will dare to speak the truth (Helm 1961:34).56