During the Reformation in Europe, many changes were made. These changes include figures such as Erasmus, Martin Luther, the peasants of Swabia, and King Henry VIII. These people brought about some of the most important changes in European history. Without these individuals Europe would be a completely different country than it is today. In the Renaissance of Northern Europe there lived a scholar named Erasmus. Erasmus was particularly concerned about the ongoing corruption within the Church. Because he was so intrigued by church abuse, he decided to write an essay titled “In Praise of Madness.” In this essay, Erasmus describes many different hypocritical actions and thoughts carried out by the church. One of these included seeking guidance and intercession through statues, relics, specific prayers, idols, and saints. Erasmus didn't do it because it was just a distraction for someone from finding Jesus. One of the things the church did, which Erasmus thought was hypocritical, was to join the Holy Orders. Erasmus considered it hypocritical because, even if you were supposed to be humbled and help others, being part of it generally only made you more self-centered. Most people in the Holy Orders have become consumed with the power and wealth they receive from being in this position, and have forgotten why they became part of the Holy Orders in the first place. Another problem that Erasmus saw within the church had to do with the Pope. The Pope was supposed to be the leader of the church and a complete representation of Christ, yet the Pope threw large parties and spent large sums of money. Erasmus believed that the church needed to reevaluate what it was doing and instead use the Spirit for guidance and defense... middle of paper... began to question the hierarchy of the church. As many people questioned the church, this led to what people called religious wars. Henry was one of the 16th century kings of France. He was the first Protestant king. He later converted to Catholicism, but continued to allow Protestants to worship, albeit in a very limited way. This was the first time both religions could be practiced in Europe. Furthermore, Europe almost completely changed from the beginning to the end of the Reformation. Many different people influenced this change. Most of the changes made were in religion. While religion doesn't seem like a tough test for a country, it is one of the main building blocks of a place like Europe. Without these changes, Europe would not be the place people know it today.