Yes, Thomas More did study early Christian writings, and while he didn't aim to destroy or undermine the Church, his humanist studies and writings contained criticisms, particularly of certain practices and the corruption he saw within the Church. However, it's essential to understand the nuances:
* Humanist Studies: More was a prominent figure in the Northern Renaissance, deeply influenced by humanism. This movement emphasized the study of classical texts, including the Bible and the writings of the Church Fathers, in their original languages (Greek and Latin).
* Criticism of Abuses: Like other humanists, More used his knowledge of these sources to critique what he perceived as abuses and corruptions within the Church. His criticisms focused on:
* Clerical Immorality: He was critical of the wealth, luxury, and perceived moral failings of some clergy members.
* Scholastic Theology: While not rejecting theology itself, he questioned the over-reliance on complex and abstract scholastic arguments, advocating for a more practical and biblically-grounded faith.
* Superstition and Ritualism: More, like Erasmus, criticized what he saw as excessive focus on rituals and superstitions that detracted from true faith.
* Loyalty to the Church: Importantly, More's criticisms were intended to reform the Church from within. He remained a devout Catholic throughout his life. His ultimate loyalty was to the Pope, and he died rather than compromise his beliefs by swearing an oath recognizing Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.
* Utopia: His most famous work, *Utopia*, can be interpreted as a subtle critique of European society, including aspects of the Church, by presenting an ideal society that addresses some of the perceived flaws.
In summary, Thomas More was a complex figure. He was a devout Catholic who used his humanist education to advocate for reform within the Church, criticizing abuses and promoting a more biblically-grounded faith. However, he never renounced his faith or sought to break away from the Catholic Church. His criticisms were always intended to improve the Church, not to destroy it.