Religious institutions played a key role in undermining belief in magic from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
In the early modern period, religious institutions exerted a significant influence on the beliefs and practices of society. One of the key ways in which they did so was by challenging and ultimately undermining the widespread belief in magic. Central to the teachings of the Church was the idea that magic was a sinful and dangerous practice that went against the will of God. This message was reinforced through sermons, religious texts, and the actions of religious authorities. By presenting magic as incompatible with Christian doctrine, religious institutions were able to dissuade people from engaging in magical practices. Moreover, religious institutions offered an alternative explanation for the supernatural phenomena that were often attributed to magic. Mir...
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