Answer :
Final answer:
Luther's writings against Erasmus highlight a fundamental theological disagreement on free will and salvation, with Luther emphasizing divine grace. These writings are a cornerstone of Protestant theology and reflect a significant shift in the approach to faith during the Reformation. While Erasmus sought reform through humanism, Luther's radical rethinking profoundly impacted Christianity.
Explanation:
Overall Opinion of Luther's Writings Against Erasmus
Martin Luther's writings, particularly his arguments against Erasmus, represent a pivotal moment in the history of the Reformation. In a way, these writings highlight the ideological divides within Christianity during the 16th century.
Luther’s critique of Erasmus centered around the concept of free will. Luther argued that humans do not have the power to choose salvation without God's grace, a stance he elaborated in his work On the Bondage of the Will. In contrast, Erasmus championed the belief in free will as a means to attain salvation, believing that individuals could choose to turn towards God. This disagreement not only showcases two different theological perspectives—one emphasizing divine sovereignty and the other human agency—but also signifies their broader implications for the emerging Protestant movement.
In my opinion, Luther's writings are compelling because they confront the complexities of faith and morality with a clear, if stark, perspective. His argument against Erasmus reveals his commitment to the doctrine of justification by faith alone, which became a cornerstone of Protestant theology. While Erasmus sought to reform the Church from within through humanistic principles and dialogue, Luther's more radical approach called for a fundamental re-examination of doctrine, pushing for reform through renewed faith and scripture.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Luther's writings not only contradict Erasmus but also encapsulate the essence of the Reformation—that faith itself must be liberated from human pretense and fully entrusted in divine grace.
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