Criticism Of Renaissance Humanism

Renaissance Humanism is getting back to ancient sources of antiquity. Just as the Renaissance reshaped the face of Europe, which began in the 1300s and thrived after the 1500s. The main tenant of this movement is Ad Fontes, which means “back to the sources.” This mantra allowed people to reexamine classic literature and rediscover the true meaning of the ancient texts. This is different from modern day humanism, as it is not based on ideology. Instead, this is based on the study of classical texts in a new age manner, which allows them to break through the medieval mindset and create something entirely new. Another tenant of Renaissance Humanism is that Scripture is vitally important, and it has transforming power. For example, when Erasmus

The style of their criticism is comical and logical argument. Many authors criticized the authorities of the day through their literature, and by appealing to the masses they make their point. Renaissance Humanism is critical toward the power and wealth of the clergy. They led wealthy and generally very easy lives, and Erasmus criticized them for their lack of discipline and their vast wealth while much of the lay people had little by means of possessions. This movement was also very critical of the emptiness of the religious ceremony, as many of them would quote and sing psalms all day, but did not have their heart in the worship. They would praise God through the liturgy, but they did not truly have a love for God or a heart for his people, but instead only loved the prestige that the position allowed

For example, Martin Luther saw the humanist translations and textual criticisms of the time as providential, as he has plentiful access to the original scriptures translated from their original languages. This allowed him to bring his issues to the people in power, and his demands echoes the language of many of the humanists of the time. The impact of this movement on Wittenberg is not astronomical, but it noticeable. In the 21st century, this movement benefits the church greatly, because Christians have access to textual criticisms. In Ephesians 5, the word “sacrament” in Latin is the word “mystery” in Greek, which completely changes the meaning of the passage. In church, people should be grateful that scholars poured their lives into different translations, for not only do Christians have textual criticism, but they also have translations that precisely reflect the meaning of the original Scriptures. Also, the sarcastic assault on the church brings a lighter mood to the church, and points out that the church is not perfect. It allows people to understand the problems in the church without having to read a dissertation, creating a clergy that is much more informed and active in the