Who was the scholar that argued for the separation of religious authority and secular government, influencing Renaissance thought?

The scholar who argued for the separation of religious authority and secular government, influencing Renaissance thought, is Desiderius Erasmus. Erasmus emphasized the importance of humanism and rational thought in understanding religion and governance. His writings criticized the abuses of the Church and advocated for a more personal and direct relationship with God, without the mediation of the clergy. This perspective encouraged a questioning of traditional authority, which was a key aspect of Renaissance thought.

In contrast, Thomas More is known for his work "Utopia," which describes an ideal society but does not directly promote the separation of church and state. John Calvin was a principal figure in the Protestant Reformation, focusing instead on predestination and the authority of Scripture rather than advocating for a governmental separation. Martin Luther also initiated significant religious reforms but did not promote a clear separation of church and state; instead, he sought reform within the existing structure of Church authority. While these figures contributed to the dialogue of the period, Erasmus's humanist ideas most closely aligned with the concept of separating religious and secular governance.