The entire world is my temple, and a very fine one too, if I'm not mistaken, and I'll never lack priests to serve it as long as there are men.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Only a very few can be learned, but all can be Christian, all can be devout, and – I shall boldly add – all can be theologians.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Understanding and piety are accessible to all, not just the learned few.
In this quote, Erasmus highlights that while deep knowledge or formal education in theology may be limited to a select few, the capacity for faith, devotion, and understanding of Christian principles is available to everyone. He challenges the notion that only the educated can engage meaningfully with theological concepts, suggesting that faith and spirituality are universal experiences.
Themes
FaithTheologyDevotionUnderstandingSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of faith over knowledge.
More from Desiderius Erasmus
All quotes →When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes.
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You'll see certain Pythagorean whose belief in communism of property goes to such lengths that they pick up anything lying about unguarded, and make off with it without a qualm of conscience as if it had come to them by law.
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[N]o party is any fun unless seasoned with folly.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
If you look at history you'll find that no state has been so plagued by its rulers as when power has fallen into the hands of some dabbler in philosophy or literary addict.
Desiderius ErasmusRead
Fortune favours the audacious.
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