Page "Desiderius Erasmus" Paragraph 65

Erasmus's reputation and the interpretations of his work have varied over time.

Following his death, there was a long period of time when his countrymen mourned his death.

Moderate Catholics felt that he had been a leading figure in attempts to reform the Church, while Protestants recognized his initial support for Luther's ideas and the groundwork he laid for the future Reformation.

By the 1560s, however, there was a marked change in reception.