Julius Exclusus

1513/1514 | Desiderus Erasmus

[drstevej]

"Julius Exclusus"

Desiderus Erasmus

[Pope Julius II, on dying, arrives in heaven expecting a glorious welcome, but Saint Peter demands that he, like any other heaven-bound soul, justify his entrance.]

Julius: What the devil is up? The gates not open? Someone has monkied with the key.

Spirit: Maybe you have the wrong key. You've got the key of power.

Julius: It's the only one I ever had. I'll bang. Hey, porter, are you asleep or drunk?

Peter: Immortal God, what a stench! I'll peek through this crack till I know what's up. Who are you?

Julius: Can't you see this key, the triple crown and the pallium sparkling with gems?

Peter: It doesn't look like the key Christ gave to me. How should I know the crown which no barbarian tyrant dared to wear? As for the gems and the jewels, I trample them under my feet.

Julius: Come on now. I am Julius, the Ligurian, and I suppose you know these two letters [pointing to his chest] "P.M." If you can read.

Peter: Pestus Maximus.

Julius: Pontifex Maximus.

Peter: I don't care if you are Mercury Trismegistus, unless your life is saintly.

Julius: Saintly! For centuries you have been only a saint and I have been most saintly, sanctissimus, with six thousand bulls to prove it.

Peter: You are called sanctissimus, but are you sanctus? You don't look it: cassock over armor, eyes savage, mouth insolent, forehaead brazen, eyebrows arrogant, body poxed with debauchery, reeking with drink, a shambles of a man.

Spirit: Graphic!

Peter: I expect that you are Julian the Apostate back from Hell.

Julius: Come on now. If you don't open now I'll strike you with the lightning of excommunication. The bull is ready.

Peter: Bull? I never heard anything like that from Christ. What authority have you to excommunicate me?

Julius: Why you are a mere priest, if even that.

Peter: Show your merits. No entry without merits. Have you taught true doctrine?

Jullus: Too busy fighting. The friars look after that.

Peter: Have you won souls to Christ by holiness?

Spirit: He has sent plenty to Hell!

Peter: Have you worked miracles?

Julius: They are out of date.

Peter: Have you prayed and fasted?

Spirit: This is getting nowhere.

Peter: Well now, what is this rabble along with you?

Julius: Soldiers who died fighting for me. I promissed them heaven if they did.

Peter: So, these are the ones who tried to crash the gate a while ago?

Julius: And you didn't let them in?

Peter: I admit only those who clothe the naked, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick and those in prison. Incidentally, why do call yourself a Ligurian? Does the family of Christ make any difference?

Julius: I want my country to have the credit of me.

Peter: You know, I am surprised the papacy is so sought after. In my day it was hard to get even priests and deacons.

Julius: Of course. You had only fasts, vigils and perhaps death. Today bishops are lords.

Peter: Tell me now. Why did you attack Bologna? Was it heretical?

Julius: No.

Peter: Was Bentivogilio a tyrant?

Julius: No.

Peter: Why then?

Julius: I needed revenue

Peter: Why did you harass Ferrara?

Julius: I needed it for my son!

Peter: What? Popes with wives and sons?

Julius: No, sons, not wives.

Peter: Is it possible to get rid of a pope say for murder, patricide, fornication, incest, simony, sacrilege or blasphemy?

Julius: Add six hundred more and the answer is still no. He can only be deposed for heresy and he determines what is heresy!

(the curtain falls)

[drstevej]

I will explain the point of my thread. At the time of the Reformation there were many in the church who were alarmed at abuses. Luther was not alone in his call for reform. Protestants who were expelled or who left the RCC church are blasted or praised on FR. Dissidents who remained Catholic in doctrine but expressed serious objections are not often discussed.

In this context, Erasmus' Julius Exclusus illustrates some of the serious issues that troubled Erasmus (and others, eg. Dante). Erasmus used humor (quite biting at that) to make what for him was a deadly serious critique. Julius Exclusus was written anonymously [almost all now attribute it to Erasmus] for what I think are obvious reasons.

In the thread when I was asked what I thought of the merits issue, I answered very briefly and directly with no elaboration. I honestly believe your offense should be directed first and foremost to Erasmus, the author. Perhaps my explanation of my motive in publishing this thread is helpful.

[Canticle_of_Deborah]

But you're not Catholic are you? You are a Baptist pastor. If I posted something that made fun of Baptists or pastors then you would rightly be offended regardless of who wrote it.

Yes, there are doctrinal differences between us. Yes, the Catholic Church has experienced corruption but so has every other denomination. That's what happens with imperfect human beings.

If you want to debate doctrinal differences that's one thing. You and your friends enjoyed this piece because it made fun of something you don't like-Catholics. That's the part I take issue with. You are a pastor and a PhD. You are supposed to lead and set an example. If this is what you teach then I understand all the hatred out there. I expected better behavior from a pastor, PhD, and a person who's knowledge I respected in the past.

[drstevej]

I honestly tried to explain my reason for posting it. I welcomed on the thread anyone who would like to post a comparable Protestant critique [Post #6]. I still do.

One of my interests on FR, as you may or may not have noticed, is to palce the discussion of the Reformation in historical context. That's why I posted it.

I think you are transferring your frustration with others to me. And, while I do not think that is warranted, that's your decision and I will not question your ethics in doing so. I would encourage you to reread the thread (especially my posts)and see whether I have fairly represented my approach. If you still have no respect for me, sadly so be it.

One minor correction, I am not a baptist pastor nor have I been one. I am a non-denominational pastor.

[drstevej]

Erasmus BUMP