Final answer:
Erasmus wanted to use Christian teachings and the early Christian fathers as a model for church reform, advocating for an inner transformation towards personal piety to become better Christians and reform the church.
Step-by-step explanation:
Desiderius Erasmus, a leading figure in Northern Renaissance humanism, sought to use Christian teachings and the early Christian fathers as the model for church reform. He believed that an inner transformation achieved through personal piety and understanding of Christian virtues was critical for reforming the church, rather than external forms of religious expression like pilgrimages or fasting. Erasmus encouraged people to live out the teachings of Christ in their daily lives as a means to become better Christians, ultimately leading to a reformed church that was more true to its origins and values. This contrasted with the lavish spending and perceived corruption in the church that other reformers like Martin Luther criticized, leading to the Protestant Reformation. Erasmus's approach did not call for a new church but rather a reformation of the existing one to align more closely with its foundational Christian principles.