Erasmo de Roterdam: paz e guerra sob o humanismo cristão

Abstract

The dissertation shows the importance of Erasmus of Rotterdam as a Christian humanist opposed to any deliberation in favor of war, within the overall context of the sixteenth century. His humanist upbringing is grounded in Patristic philosophy, considered the basis of a non-violent, ethical-religious vision, focussed on early Christian values, and emphasizing the simple and virtuous lives of the Apostles as recounted by the first Christian intellectuals. The critique of Christianity present in his work, together with his humanist background, form a critical reflection in opposition to the administration of the Church by the Pope(s), who, he perceives, are more engaged by their own vices than concerned with refecting Christi s model of virtue. Erasmus holds that, in the political sphere, love of one s neighbor as oneself and mutual respect are principles that a ruler should never forget. In the religious sphere, clergy should abandon the opulence of the material life and follow Christian precepts. In the moral sphere, individual freedom and freedom of choice, guided by reason and aided by the grace of God, cause the Christian to travel naturally in the direction of the good. The contemporary nature of his philosophy is apparent in the moment in which he calls our attention to the urgency of moral-religious reflection. The need for such reflection is ever more present and pressing in our society, as it grapples with the preservation of the species and of the natural world