The Reformation created modern Europe, and left an indelible mark on the history of the world. But what was the Reformation,and was it a force for progress, liberty, and modernity, or for conflict, division, and repression? Is it history’s premier example of religion’s ability to inspire selfless idealism and beneficent social
change, or a cautionary tale of fanaticism and intolerance in the name of faith? Was it actually about religion at all, or should we see it as the historical instance par excellence of spiritual motivations being cynically invoked to legitimate economic and political changes?