Discuss the impact of Erasmus’s ideas on the Catholic Church at the start of the 16th century.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the impact of Erasmus’s ideas on the Catholic Church at the start of 16th century. Candidates may refer to Erasmus’s criticism on issues related to faith, piety, and grace, as well as his denouncement of a number of rituals as abuses. Erasmus’s ideas are also recognized as an initial groundwork for Luther's opinions and the future Reformation and had an impact on scholars like Jacques-Auguste de Thou and Hugo Grotius. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, his extensive scholarly projects such as the production of the first Greek New Testament (which gave theologians direct access to the original text), and the edition of reliable editions of patristic works. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the impact of Erasmus's ideas on the Catholic Church at the start of 16th century. Few responses were seen to this question. Some had good in-depth knowledge, but others tended to rely on generalisations.