Erasmus
(1466 - 1536)
Humanist philosopher Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536), author of In Praise of Folly (1511), tried to show that the search for pleasure in the broadest sense was compatible with God’s desire for people to be happy. Unfortunately, evidence that God has such a benevolent intention in mind is well hidden. Any notion that the Creator might be a closet utilitarian is not consistent with the historical record. Indeed it's hard to disagree with Jules Renard (1864-1910): "I don't know if God exists, but it would be better for His reputation if He didn't."
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