When Erasmus said that the greatest danger to faith was following traditional teachings of the church without understanding Christ himself, he was highlighting a crucial distinction between
rote adherence to religious dogma and genuine, personal engagement with the teachings and spirit of Jesus Christ.
Here's a breakdown of what he meant:
* Empty Ritual and Dogma: Erasmus believed that the church of his time had become overly focused on external rituals, complex theological doctrines, and the pronouncements of church authority (tradition). He saw that many people were following these practices without truly understanding the core message of the Gospel. He felt that these traditions, while potentially useful as guides, could become barriers to real faith when they overshadowed the central figure of Christ.
* Personal Relationship with Christ: Erasmus championed a more direct and personal relationship with Christ. He believed that individuals should study the scriptures, particularly the New Testament, and strive to understand Christ's teachings, his life, his example, and his love. This understanding, according to Erasmus, should then inform their actions and shape their faith.
* The Dangers of Blind Obedience: Erasmus cautioned against blind obedience to religious authority and tradition. He feared that people were simply accepting what they were told without questioning or understanding, leading to a superficial and ultimately meaningless faith. He believed that true faith required critical thinking and a conscious effort to understand the reasons behind religious practices.
* The Importance of Scriptural Study: Erasmus advocated for the study of the original Greek and Hebrew texts of the Bible so that people could access a more accurate and nuanced understanding of scripture, free from the layers of interpretation that had accumulated over centuries.
* Moral Reform: Ultimately, Erasmus believed that a deeper understanding of Christ would lead to moral reform within the church and society as a whole. He argued that if people truly grasped the teachings of Jesus, they would be more likely to live lives of compassion, humility, and service.
In essence, Erasmus was arguing that true faith wasn't about blindly following tradition but about understanding and emulating Christ. He believed that a personal, informed relationship with Christ was the foundation of genuine faith and the key to a more authentic and meaningful Christian life. By prioritizing tradition over a personal connection to Christ, people risked losing sight of the very heart of their faith.