In "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel, a character expresses skepticism toward certain established practices and beliefs within the Church. The character questions the existence of concepts like Purgatory, relics, and the roles of monks and nuns, suggesting a desire for clear biblical references to support these ideas. This challenge to traditional doctrines reflects a larger theme of the novel, which explores the complexities of faith and authority in a turbulent historical context.

The inquiry into the legitimacy of these religious concepts highlights the tension between personal belief and institutional doctrine. By asking for scriptural validation, the character points to a broader questioning of the Church's teachings during the Reformation, a time when many were beginning to critically examine their faith and the practices of their leaders.