The historians' statement most directly supports which interpretation?

The statement aligns with the interpretation that the Reformation's concept of spiritual equality did not lead to significant social change. This perspective emphasizes that while Reformation ideas promoted a vision of equality before God, they did not translate into broader societal transformations, such as the equalization of social classes or the dismantling of existing power structures.

This interpretation suggests that the Reformation may have been more focused on individual religious beliefs and practices rather than ushering in major societal shifts. Despite the potential for upheaval in social hierarchies, the Reformation largely maintained existing class distinctions and power dynamics, thus showing that the concept of spiritual equality did not extend into the realms of social policy or structure.

The other options propose different focuses: economic and political causes for the Reformation, the expansion of elite power, or roots in earlier reform efforts. However, these do not directly reflect the assertion regarding the lack of societal transformation stemming from Reformation ideals about spiritual equality.