Desiderius

Desiderius, often associated with Desiderius Erasmus, was a Dutch Renaissance scholar, theologian, and humanist, born around 1466. He is best known for his critical editions of the New Testament and his advocacy for religious reform within the Catholic Church, emphasizing education and the importance of reading the Bible in one's native language. Erasmus’s work sought to return to the original texts of Christianity and promote a more personal and ethical approach to faith, emphasizing moral philosophy over dogma. His ideas influenced the Reformation and laid the groundwork for modern biblical criticism and humanist thought.