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Some reformists were very orthodox in their views. Whereas Catholicism allowed a certain amount of paganism and didn't generally persecute witch craft, the reformation brought in the idea of going back to the bible.
That meant some ideas and views were no longer tolerated. The bible says "thou shall have no gigs before me" and that was enforced.
It was also a time of significant social change for ordinary people adjusting. People turned on their neighbours in some cases and there was mass suspicion. Obviously that leads to accusations.
This is quite a new book that gives one historian's interpretation if you haven't read it