* Obedience and Blind Faith: Erasmus criticized the unquestioning obedience demanded by some monastic orders, arguing that it stifled critical thinking and individual judgment. He believed that true piety should be based on reason and understanding, not blind adherence to authority.
* Vows of Poverty and Chastity: While he respected the ideals behind these vows, Erasmus saw their practical implementation as often leading to hypocrisy and corruption. He argued that some monks used their vows as a way to avoid responsibility and to gain power and influence.
* Rituals and Ceremony: Erasmus was critical of elaborate and meaningless rituals, seeing them as mere displays of outward piety that lacked true spiritual substance. He favored a simpler, more personal form of religion based on inner reflection and individual faith.
* Monastic Scholarship: Erasmus mocked the superficial scholarship of some monks, arguing that their focus on arcane and irrelevant topics was detrimental to the pursuit of genuine knowledge. He believed that scholarship should be practical and relevant to the needs of society.
* The Power of the Clergy: Erasmus was critical of the excessive power wielded by the clergy, particularly the Church hierarchy. He argued that the Church had become too worldly and corrupt, losing sight of its true mission of spreading the Gospel and promoting Christian values.
Erasmus' criticisms were not aimed at discrediting monasticism as a whole. He recognized the value of monastic life and the contributions of many dedicated monks. However, he believed that certain practices had become outdated and harmful, hindering the true purpose of Christian faith and leading to spiritual stagnation. His criticisms were intended to spark reform and revitalize the Church, urging it to return to its core values of simplicity, reason, and genuine piety.