The Reformation and the Northern Renaissance
The Church encountered much criticism from reformers. Thus, the famous humanist, Erasmus, wrote his 'Praise of Folly' to expose the vices and temporal ambitions of bishops and monks, the foolish speculations of theologians, and the excessive reliance which common people had on pilgrimages, festivals, relics, and other aids to devotion. So great was the demand for this work that it went through twenty-seven large editions during the author's lifetime. Erasmus believed he could best serve the church interests by effecting her reform. Some men went further, however, and demanded wholesale changes in Catholic belief and worship.
