Witchcraft trials reflected widespread fears of magical harm from "summary" of Religion and the Decline of Magic by Keith Thomas
The witchcraft trials were a reflection of the prevailing anxieties about the potential dangers of magical practices. People in early modern Europe believed in the existence of malevolent witches who could use their powers to cause harm to others. The fear of magical harm was deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the population, leading to a widespread belief in the reality of witchcraft. Magical beliefs were not confined to the uneducated or superstitious; rather, they permeated all levels of society, including the educated elite. The fear of witches and their ability to inflict harm was a pervasive and persistent concern that transcended social boundaries. The trials served as a means of addressing these fears by identifying and punishing those believed to be practicing witchcraft. The accused were often su...
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