Philip schaff was a protestant theologian who spent most of his life writing about the history of protestantism. the reformation of the sixteenth century is, next to the introduction of christianity, the greatest event in history. it marks the end of the middle ages and the beginning of modern times. starting from religion, it gave, directly or indirectly, a mighty impulse to every forward movement, and made protestantism the chief propelling force in the history of modern civilization. –history of the christian church, philip schaff, 1888 why might schaff be biased in favor of the importance of the reformation? the reformation helped create the protestant church he studies. the reformation led him to become a theologian. the reformation strengthened his faith in the catholic church. the reformation brought his religious group together with others in europe.