The article discusses a work by a Korean scholar that interprets the European Reformation as a significant historical shift from the Middle Ages to modernity, emphasizing how certain religious beliefs led to the institutionalization of intolerance and societal discipline. The author clarifies their scholarly perspective, setting the Reformation within the broader historical context of 16th-century Europe, across multiple countries and cities, highlighting their expertise in medieval history and continuity into the Reformation period.

The piece argues that the essence of understanding the Reformation is not merely a dichotomy between Protestantism and Catholicism, but rather the contrasting nature of the reforms: whether they were bottom-up movements led by reformers like Luther, Zwingli, and Calvin, or top-down reforms associated with authority figures such as monarchs and popes. This nuanced perspective detaches from the traditional binary classifications used in previous research on the Reformation and recognizes the multifaceted nature of the movement across various European regions.

Furthermore, the article recalls the symbolic act of Martin Luther posting his 95 Theses in Wittenberg in 1517, which marked the beginning of the Reformation. Luther's theological queries regarding the legitimacy of indulgences and church authority contributed to a rising demand for reform amidst the spiritual and financial oppression purported by the papacy. Luther, instead of being a steadfast hero, positioned himself ambiguously, rejecting the title of an unwavering innovator while simultaneously becoming a prominent figure representing calls for church reform in Germany.