In 1515, Handbook of the Christian Soldier became a cult classic. With it Erasmus targeted educated lay people and began to alter their self-perceptions. He painted the clergy as educators who should teach the laity everything they know. He emphasized personal disciplines rather than institutional sacraments. He called for a reformation which he characterized as a collective return to the Fathers and Scripture. He said reading scripture is vital because it is transformational, motivating toward love. Much like the Brethren of the Common Life, he wrote that the NT is the law of Christ we are called to obey and Christ is the example we are called to imitate