Question

1 history what wars is erasmus referencing in his letter to the bishop? 2 evaluating evidence what does erasmus mean when he writes that “the state of the church distracts me”? 3 determining central ideas what central idea is erasmus communicating to the bishop? 4 determining point of view why does erasmus write that “his own conscience is easy”? 5 identifying bias how does erasmus view monks and theologians? 6 identifying connections history is filled with stories of wars over religion. here erasmus is talking about the religious wars between lutherans and catholics during the reformation. why do you think people are willing to go to war over religious beliefs?

Explanation:

1. Without the actual letter text, it's hard to pinpoint specific wars. But Erasmus lived during the Reformation era, so it could be related to religious - conflicts like those between Lutherans and Catholics.
2. Erasmus was a humanist critical of some Church practices. He likely means the Church's internal issues, power - struggles, or deviations from spiritual ideals distracted him from his work or spiritual pursuits.
3. His central idea might be expressing concerns about the state of the Church, possibly advocating for reform in a more moderate way compared to radical reformers.
4. He may feel he has acted in accordance with his moral and intellectual principles, not being swayed by the extreme positions in the religious debates of his time.
5. Erasmus often criticized the narrow - mindedness and superstitious practices of some monks and theologians, advocating for a more rational and human - centered approach to religion.
6. People may be willing to go to war over religious beliefs due to strong convictions, a sense of divine mission, and group - identity tied to religion.

Answer:

1. Likely religious wars of the Reformation era such as those between Lutherans and Catholics.
2. He means the Church's internal problems or departures from ideals distract him.
3. Concerns about the Church and a call for moderate reform.
4. Because he has adhered to his moral and intellectual principles.
5. He views them as often narrow - minded and superstitious, preferring a more rational approach.
6. Due to strong convictions, a sense of divine mission, and group - identity.