The decline of magic was gradual and uneven across different regions from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
Magic did not disappear overnight; its decline was a slow process that varied from place to place. The change was not uniform across different regions, as some areas held onto magical beliefs and practices longer than others. The decline of magic was influenced by a variety of factors, including religious reforms, changes in social attitudes, and advancements in science and technology. In some regions, the decline of magic was more pronounced, as religious authorities actively sought to suppress magical practices that they deemed heretical or superstitious. The rise of Protestantism, for example, led to a rejection of Catholic rituals and beliefs, which included many forms of magic. Protestant reformers viewed magic as a form of idolatry and sought to eradicate it from their communities. On the other hand, in areas where Catholicism remained dominant, magical practices continued to coexist alongside official religious beliefs. The...Similar Posts
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