The Reformation contributed to the decline of magical thinking in Europe from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The Reformation was a significant event in European history that had profound effects on religious beliefs and practices. As the Protestant movement gained momentum, it challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and called into question many traditional beliefs and practices. One of the key consequences of the Reformation was a shift in focus from magical thinking to more rational forms of religious belief. Prior to the Reformation, magical thinking was pervasive in European society. People believed in the power of charms, spells, and rituals to influence the course of their lives. Magic was seen as a way to manipulate the supernatural forces that governed the world and protect oneself from harm. However, as the Protestant Reformation spread across Europe, it brought with it a new emphasis on faith and Scripture as the sources of religious authority. Protestant reformers such as Martin Luther and John Calvin rejected many of the magi...
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