Panel: HISTORICAL APPROACHES TO THE TRINITY AND THE BODY



589.8 - BEYOND DUALISM: THE THEOLOGY OF THE BODY IN ERASMUS' HUMANISM

AUTHORS:
Lauria V. (Sapienza University of Rome ~ Rome ~ Italy)
Text:
The work of Erasmus of Rotterdam is notable for its original reflection on the relationship between the body and the Trinity, moving between irony, theological criticism, and the humanistic reformulation of traditional categories. His thought, as is well known, intertwines the Christian theological tradition with classical auctores, moving towards a form of Christian humanism. Already in his "Enchiridion militis Christiani" (1501), Erasmus distinguishes between body, soul, and spirit, drawing on Platonic philosophy and the Christian tradition to outline an anthropology capable of harmonizing classical influences and religious motifs. In "Lingua" (1525), the focus shifts to the tripartite structure of man, with language and speech positioned as intermediaries between mind and body. In this perspective, language assumes a function analogous to that of Christ, acting as the mediator of the Word of the Father for mankind. The anatomical aspects of this discussion, profoundly influenced by Galen's treatises, are given due consideration. Finally, in the "Colloquia" (1518-1533), the reflection on the body and corporeality emerges in multiple passages. Rather than being dismissed, the bodily dimension is repeatedly reinstated and situated within a framework that bridges humanistic and theological discourses. This contribution aims to analyze how Erasmus, through these works, reformulates the relationship between the body and the Trinity, breaking away from scholastic theology to propose a model of Christian life that integrates the physical and spiritual dimensions, overcoming rigid dualisms and offering a more dynamic and humanistic vision of faith.