Erasmus of Rotterdam Biography by Stefan Zweig Review

Erasmus of Rotterdam Biography by Stefan Zweig Review

This is the last biography that is 5 star worthy. This biography alone has made me a firm hatter of Luther. Basically, both Erasmus and Luther where ought to reform the church. Erasmus was doing it via diplomacy and philosophy. As for Luther, he wanted to reform the church by force. At a certain, point even Luther was not Lutheran enough for the Lutherans. This biography gives you a good idea of the big mess raging during the Reformation.



However, the Reformation is only touched on the last half of the book. Things where bright and blue for Erasmus before Luther was struck by lightning. Luther was not really struck by lightning. He just went crazy and thought himself to be the reincarnation of Paul. However, you cannot base an entire religion on a single book of the bible. What's hilarious is that all the Protestants claimed to be the true version of the Catholic church. They mutually wanted to disassociate themselves from each other. With so many fools, its no wonder the Pope did not yield to any. They where being stupid about reforming the Catholic church. All they managed was to divide it. In any case, all these important issues where brought to light in Stefan Zweig's biography of Erasmus of Rotterdam. It is a must read. 5 stars.