Jerome to Hevlidius

[nyj]

I was requested by certain of the brethren not long ago to reply to a pamphlet written by one Helvidius. I have deferred doing so, not because it is a difficult matter to maintain the truth and refute an ignorant boor who has scarce known the first glimmer of learning, but because I was afraid my reply might make him appear worth defeating.

This was written by St.Jerome in his "Letter to Helvidius" as it regarded the Perpetual Virginity of Our Lady. I always thought that perhaps Jerome was being a bit harsh in his criticism of Helvidius, but after spending enough time on the Interfaith board, and it's plethora of hysterics, I can only say that perhaps Jerome, by calling a spade a spade, was actually being as kind as possible.

 

[Avila]

Have you read any of Luther and Erasmus' debates? Those are good for a certain amount of comedic value too. Poor Erasmus always tries so hard not to call Luther an idiot straight out (but then again, he [Luther] does a good enough job proving it himself....)