Erasmus of Rotterdam
(c.1466 - 1536)

A character sketch of Erasmus of Rotterdam

Commonly known as Desiderius Eerasmus, he was born in Rotterdam in c. 1466.

Educated at Deventer by the Brethren of the Common Life.

Dedicated himself to studying at a monastery for 6 years.

Was encouraged to use his talents for Christ by Thomas More and John Colet.

Eventually settled in Basel where he spent his final years.

Produced great works of Christian living.

He helped pave the way for the reformers but his relationship with them eventually cooled.

Agreed with the basic issues of the reform but never embraced the movement fully.

Personal Application.

Erasmus of Rotterham was another man who paved the ways for the reformation. Although he never embraced the teachings of Calvin, he understood that the Catholic church was not all it was made up to be. Here is another man who gained his knowledge from personal study, not by taking the word of another person.

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