Reformation and the witch craze
Why during the scientific revolution when people were more rational that the witch hunts occur?
Factors occurring that encourage the witch-hunts. Most important was the reformation (1520-1650). Shattered what was left of medieval Christian unity. With this fracturing ended attempts to bring unity through purges and excommunication. Breakdown of broad communities and more of a narrow community. Us vs them, protestant vs Christianity. Enemies who are challengers to power. Goal of reformers: to return to an older time period, earlier form of Christianity; find a more pure form of Christianity. Luther said the church was just a money making scam. The reformers wanted to reform the sacraments. Streamlining things that are not in the bible. Eliminates the catholic mass, the way it’s run, reason behind it, ideas that form it. All are changed. Role of the …show more content…
More forms of Christianity are starting to show up. Catholics say they need to priests in order to help peasants, in case they can’t read bible and need help. Not going to eliminate need for salvation. Reformers are not allowed to accept anything not in the …show more content…
Either acting a s a servant of the witch or the master of the witch. Goes from someone who is summons a witch to someone who is controlled by the witch. The reformation makes the power and the preciseness everywhere. What we start to see is a profound fear of the devil. If you’re a protestant, you as an individual are the one who is taking on the devil by yourself. The devil is attacking individuals who must resist on their own. The struggle you have with the devil as protestant is a personal one. The dangers are not only physical but spiritual. The devil can utilize the services of anyone else. Someone you know might be the devil. Christians had to be on their guard all the