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Radical Reformation History  /  Lecture 5: Erasmus, Luther, and the Radical Reformation  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 8
Capito’s self-examination ends with, “Perhaps…what the church needs, what I need, is less religion and more Christ”; in the lesson’s context (educating orphans, bathing lepers, inner devotion, public meetings), what would “more Christ” concretely mean, and what religious activities might we need to subtract—not because they’re evil, but because they replace Christ?
Another way to ask: When Capito says we may need “less religion and more Christ,” what would “more Christ” look like in real actions like caring for orphans, helping lepers, and inner devotion? What good religious activities might we need to cut back because they start replacing Christ?

Direct Answer In context, “more Christ” means inward devotion and outward mercy—real engagement with Jesus that shows up in serving people (orphans, lepers, the poor) and in sincere, Scripture-centered community life. “Less religion” would be subtracting empty routines, cynical clerical culture, and activities that keep us busy while leaving the heart unchanged.

Support from Transcript:

  • Capito contrasts his religious résumé (“priest…doctorate…spoke constantly of the church and her laws”) with concrete love: “educating orphans and bathing lepers.”
  • The young monk describes prayer “directly…at all times,” and calls rites “empty if the heart…be not engaged,” framing “more Christ” as heart reality.
  • The Brethren’s meetings centered on “mutual edification,” with interactive questions/answers, and preaching to common people—suggesting Christ-centered instruction spilling outward.
  • Dean describes widespread dissatisfaction with “sacerdotal…empty ritualism,” and people longing for “a relationship with Jesus Christ.”
  • The monk’s summary—“love God and love man”—gives a concrete standard for what replaces mere religious busyness.
Discussion Follow-ups Which church activities might be good in themselves but function like substitutes—letting us feel religious without becoming merciful, humble, and prayerful? How could we reorder our schedule so mercy and devotion aren’t sidelined?

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