Final answer:
Yes, combining humanism and religious devotion was possible in the Renaissance, as humanism often coexisted with Christian beliefs and the church actively patronized art and scholarship that galvanized this synergy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, it was possible for a Renaissance era writer to combine humanism and religious devotion. During the Renaissance, the intellectual movement of humanism arose, which celebrated the potential and achievements of humanity while often being deeply rooted in Christian values. For example, the philosophy of Christian humanism explicitly aimed to make people better Christians through the study of ancient texts alongside Christian teachings.
Many Renaissance figures, including artists like Donatello and scholars like Desiderius Erasmus, integrated humanist ideals into their Christian faith, thereby reflecting a symbiotic relationship between the two. Desiderius Erasmus, in particular, advocated using Christian teachings as a guide to daily life, promoting an inner spiritual transformation that would lead to a reformation of the church itself. Furthermore, the church's patronage of artistic works, many of which were deeply interwoven with humanist ideals, underscores this combination of humanism and piety.