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A Lutheran Stomach
Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch humanist scholar and Catholic priest. His works were so significant he was given the nickname “Prince of the Humanists'' and “the crowning glory of the Christian Humanists.” His works ranged on a variety of subjects, and he even created new Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament.
Erasmus lived during the rise of the Reformation in Germany and, while critical of the Catholic Church, ultimately chose to stay a part of it rather than join the growing Lutherans. His middle-road (Via Media) approach to the question of reform ultimately made him an easy target for both staunch Catholics and Lutherans. One day Erasmus was caught eating during a Lenten fast. Once confronted, Erasmus remarked with his usual quick wit: “I have a Catholic soul, but a Lutheran stomach.”
Stuart Strachan Jr.
Via Media ) approach to the question of reform ultimately made him an easy target for both staunch Catholics and Lutherans. One day Erasmus was caught eating during a Lenten fast. Once confronted, Erasmus remarked with his usual quick wit: “I have a Catholic soul, but a Lutheran stomach.” Stuart Strachan Jr.