Why did Desiderius Erasmus believe Greek was important for studying Christianity?

Desiderius Erasmus believed that mastery of Greek was essential for a "primitive theologian" to properly study and expound upon the Scriptures.1

His conviction was rooted in several key principles:

• Authentic Interpretation: Erasmus sought to move away from the argumentative methods of Scholasticism, which he viewed as an arid intellectualization of faith. Instead, he aimed to restore the "philosophy of Christ" by returning to the original texts.12
• Philological Accuracy: Following the example of humanists like Lorenzo Valla, Erasmus applied critical philological methods to biblical exegesis. He believed that by studying the New Testament in its original Greek, scholars could establish more accurate texts and bypass the limitations or errors of the Vulgate.12
• Spiritual Relevance: By reading the works of early Greek Church Fathers like Origen in their original language, Erasmus promoted a spiritualizing mode of interpretation. He believed this approach made the teachings of Christ more pertinent to moral concerns and the daily lives of ordinary people, emphasizing love and simplicity over ritualistic practices.12