Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam 2026 - Free AP History Practice Questions and Study Guide

Erasmus' critique of the clergy is a significant reflection of the humanist challenge to the institutional power of the Catholic Church during the Renaissance. Humanism emphasized the value of individual thought and the importance of classical learning, which led thinkers like Erasmus to question and criticize the corruption and moral failings they perceived within the Church. His works, particularly "In Praise of Folly," satirized the clergy and called for reform, aligning with the broader humanist movement that sought to restore authentic Christian piety based on a return to the original texts of the Bible and the teachings of Christ.

This humanist challenge was pivotal because it laid the intellectual groundwork that would later resonate with reformers during the Protestant Reformation. While Erasmus himself remained committed to Catholic doctrine and sought reform from within, his criticisms highlighted the growing discontent with the Church's practices and authority. Thus, this moment in history is marked by an intellectual awakening that questioned established traditions and sought to renew religious life, reflecting the broader aspirations of humanism.