Why Did People React So Strongly to Witchcraft in History?

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Why Did People React So Strongly to Witchcraft in History?

Throughout history, people’s reactions to witchcraft have started mass panic, hysteria, disturbing witch trials, and countless executions and hangings. Witchcraft was once and still can be a very controversial topic, as it challenges other’s religions and beliefs and is against Christianity. Back when the Church was the main source of authority and guidance, reactions to witchcraft were particularly strong and heated, as there are even bible quotes ordering the instant death of any witch or wizard. Concern was commonplace, especially considering the Salem Witchcraft Trials, since children were the main people afflicted. However, as time passed and humanitarianism ideas spread, reactions to witchcraft weren’t nearly as hysterical as they once were. In hindsight, the change is almost astounding when considering the strength and severity of reactions then, and the subtlety of reactions to witchcraft now.

When reading the Bible, one should turn to Exodus 22:18 and Leviticus 20:27, in the King James Version. Exodus 22:18 reads; “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Leviticus 20:27 reads; “A man also, or woman, that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death; they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.” These strong-worded quotes reflect upon the strong reactions to witches in Bible times. Back when the Word was the Truth, the way and the Light, religion was everything. In the religion of Christianity, witchcraft was abominable and disgraceful, and absolutely forbidden. When one believes so strongly in something, when they come across something that contradicts their beliefs and disgusts them, there is bound to be ...

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...ir religions and beliefs. Also, one might think of it this way; Picture being blind. A person walks up to the blind person, and screams in their face. Now, would that person be less scared of they weren’t blind? Of course; because they would have seen it coming. Witchcraft related to this because people tend to be afraid of things they can’t see, and the only proof they had of sorcery was confessions and the fire of fear in their eyes. Witchcraft came as a shock because it was absurd and unheard of in Christianity, and absolutely forbidden. When people are in a state of shock, it’s only natural to overreact on many different levels. This is especially so when beliefs are inherently strong, and the way of life. Religion almost always plays a huge part in someone’s life, and this time, religion played a huge part in reactions to witchcraft throughout the ages.

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