Difference Between Magic And Religious Practices In The Middle Ages

Distinguishing the differences between magic and religious practices in the Middle Ages is a debated topic that presents many challenges. The meaning of magic and religion alone differ from the contemporaries to views today. Distinguishing magic and religion involves noting that these views are not the same and often the line of what today might be considered magic and religion can be blurred and crossed over by the people of the Middle Ages. To help examine magic and religious practises, it is vital to look at the components of prayers and spells, the differences between miracles and magic, and views on knowledge and science.
Prayers and spells played a large part in the lives of people in the Middle Ages, tying in with religion. Often prayers were a
On the other hand, spells seek to command and bind forces to do the caster’s will. Prayers and spells can both be seen as a way of trying to achieve a goal, whether it be through supplication or force. Modern historians such as Keith Thomas, note the difference that while a prayer has a supplicatory nature, magic demands and tries to command powerful forces to do the caster’s bidding. However, it is not always this simple as it is unlikely that the common person noted the difference between supplicating and commanding. Many medical and necromantic spells invoke God, Christ, or saints and it can be difficult to determine whether or not they are appealing to or demanding their assistance. The Lacnunga is a compilation of eleventh century medical practises that have elements