Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Question: 1 / 400

How did the depiction of clergy in Erasmus' writings reflect public sentiment of the time?

It highlighted widespread disdain for the corruption within the Church

The depiction of clergy in Erasmus' writings indeed highlighted widespread disdain for the corruption within the Church. During the Renaissance and leading into the Reformation, there was a growing concern among intellectuals and the laity about the moral failings and abuses of power among church officials. Erasmus, as a humanist thinker, frequently critiqued the practices of the clergy, emphasizing their failures and the need for reform. His works, such as "In Praise of Folly," satirized the greed, hypocrisy, and lack of spiritual commitment displayed by many members of the clergy, resonating with a public increasingly frustrated with the Church's corruption. This critique not only reflected widespread sentiments but also contributed to calls for reform, setting the stage for significant religious changes in Europe. The other choices do not align with Erasmus' critical stance on clerical corruption during this transformative period.

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It showcased a growing faith in the Church's integrity

It illustrated acceptance of clergy's authority in governance

It presented an idealized view of clergy as moral leaders

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