What is Christian humanism in literature?
“Christian humanism” is a literary and philosophical movement that emerged during the Renaissance in Europe, which sought to reconcile Christian beliefs and values with the study of classical literature and humanist thought.
The movement was based on the idea that humans were capable of achieving both spiritual and intellectual fulfillment, and that the study of the humanities, including literature, history, and philosophy, could lead to a deeper understanding of God and the world.
Christian humanism emphasized the importance of personal piety and moral virtue and sought to promote a more ethical and compassionate approach to religious practice. It also emphasized the importance of education, and many Christian humanists believed that knowledge and reason could lead to a greater understanding of God and the world.
example of a Christian humanist :
In this book “The Praise of Folly,” the Dutch humanist Erasmus critiques the corruption and hypocrisy of the church, while also advocating for a more humble and compassionate approach to religious practice. The book is written in the form of a satirical oration delivered by the goddess Folly, who argues that human folly is the key to happiness and success in life. Through this unconventional approach, Erasmus seeks to promote a more thoughtful and introspective approach to the Christian faith, one that emphasizes personal piety and moral virtue over formal religious rituals and dogma. The book was highly influential in shaping Christian humanist thought and helped to pave the way for the Protestant Reformation.
