Witch hunts and persecution from "summary" of The Reformation by Diarmaid MacCulloch
The Reformation was a time of intense religious fervor and turmoil in Europe, as people grappled with questions of faith and authority. One of the darker aspects of this period was the rise of witch hunts and persecution, fueled by a combination of fear, superstition, and political power struggles. Witch hunts were a common occurrence during the Reformation, as individuals accused of practicing witchcraft were subjected to brutal interrogations, trials, and often, executions. The belief in witches as agents of evil who consorted with the devil and brought harm to others was widespread, leading to a climate of suspicion and paranoia. The persecution of supposed witches was often used as a means of social control, with those in power using accusations of witchcraft to silence dissent and maintain their aut...
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