Valde´ S And Vermigli: Crossing The Theological Rubicon

Valdes' own journey to doctrinal deviation began in Spain. A precocious young Valdes not only entered into a correspondence with the famed Erasmus himself, but in 1529 he published his first book, Dialogo de doctrina cristiana , which borrowed overtly from the Dutch humanist. Valdes had become the spiritual leader of a fraternity of reform minded churchmen, humanists and ladies of nobility. The decision to pursue spiritual endeavors completely reoriented Valdes' life. The last work of Valdes before the arrival of Vermigli in Naples was his commentary and translation of the Psalms. It must be recognized that Valdes was not a theologian in the same sense as Vermigli. To the end of his days, Valdes was a practical theologian, concentrating especially on matters related to edification and sanctification, as well as a biblical expositor who tended to shun traditional theological terminology. Keywords: Erasmus; Naples; theological treatises; Valdes; Vermigli