“. . . Next to [the theologians in happiness] are those who call themselves the religious and monks. [Both are complete misnomers], since a great part of them are farthest from religion, and no [people are seen more often in public.] [They are so] detested that [people] take it for ill luck to meet one of them by chance, yet . . . they flatter themselves . . . they are so illiterate that they can’t so much as read . . . [Most of them capitalize on their dirt and poverty by whining for food from door to door. . .] These pleasant fellows with all this vileness, ignorance, rudeness, and impudence, . . . represent to us . . . the lives of the apostles . . . [The monks of certain orders] are afraid to touch money as poison, and yet neither [restrain from] wine nor dallying with women.”

Question

“. . . Next to [the theologians in happiness] are those who call themselves the religious and monks. [Both are complete misnomers], since a great part of them are farthest from religion, and no [people are seen more often in public.] [They are so] detested that [people] take it for ill luck to meet one of them by chance, yet . . . they flatter themselves . . . they are so illiterate that they can’t so much as read . . . [Most of them capitalize on their dirt and poverty by whining for food from door to door. . .] These pleasant fellows with all this vileness, ignorance, rudeness, and impudence, . . . represent to us . . . the lives of the apostles . . . [The monks of certain orders] are afraid to touch money as poison, and yet neither [restrain from] wine nor dallying with women.”

According to Erasmus in this passage from The Praise of Folly, which is an accurate analysis of the Catholic clergy?(1 point)

Answer 1

In the passage from "The Praise of Folly" by Desiderius Erasmus, the author offers a satirical critique of the Catholic clergy, particularly those who claim to be religious and monks. According to Erasmus's analysis, the following points are an accurate representation of his views on the Catholic clergy as depicted in this passage:

1. Many who claim to be religious or monks are, in reality, far from embodying true religious principles.
2. These individuals are often detested by the public and considered a bad omen when encountered.
3. They pride themselves on their role, despite their lack of education and inability to even read.
4. Some of them exploit their supposed poverty and dirtiness by begging for food, using their status to garner sympathy and support.
5. Despite their outward representation of virtue and the emulation of the apostles' lives, they are often characterized by vileness, ignorance, rudeness, and impudence.
6. Monks of certain orders show an aversion to touching money but do not avoid indulgences such as wine or engaging in interactions with women.

Erasmus's description is a scathing indictment of the hypocrisy and corruption he sees within the clergy, suggesting that they fail to live up to the spiritual and moral standards they are expected to uphold. This criticism aligns with Erasmus's broader humanist critique of the Church and its practices during his time.