What arguments did Erasmus offer in support of free will, and what arguments did Luther offer in opposition to it?
Desiderius Erasmus was a Dutch renaissance humanist, theologian, teacher, Catholic priest and a classical scholar. He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church all his life. He had a deep respect for traditional faith, piety and grace.
Martin Luther was an Augustinian priest, professor of theology, composer, monk and biblical scholar. He rejected several teachings and practices of Catholic Church. He believed only on faith in Jesus Christ. Erasmus had several disagreements over Luther’s views and the most intense was free will.
Some of the arguments of Erasmus and Luther on free will are as follows;
| Arguments of Erasmus | Arguments of Luther |
| According to Erasmus, free will is the power of human will, which he can either accept or reject. | According to Luther, free will does not exist. |
| He says God acts according to the man’s will and plan. | He says man is a servant and bond slave either to the will of God or to the will of Satan. |
| He argues that man who chooses well in his life is granted eternal salvation. | He argues that human will is the beast of burden and either God or Satan rides it. |
| He defines both good and sin as human act and he is free and has right to select anyone. | He defines sin as ungodliness, unrighteousness and wickedness. |