The Impact of the Reformation

The reformation was the cause of the Catholic Church losing some power and authority and reformed European beliefs. This religious, political, and cultural reformation became the building block for the European people. The reformation was the era of questioning religious practices and the concept of witchcraft. The reformation had an impact on witch-hunting and encouraged people to believe in witchcraft in which caused a tension that led to witchcraft accusations (Levack 109). The debate over religion caused religious authorities to be quicker to judge and try to get rid of anything that went against their beliefs. It is interesting that during the time of the reformation, 1520-1650, witch-hunting was at its highest and most intense (Levack 110).

As the reformation continued the awareness of the Devil and his presence, Europeans had the urge to fight against him (Levack 112).  Both the Catholic and Protestant reformation had contributed to witch-hunting. In some areas of Europe the witch death rate were higher than others. Witch-hunting was most severe in areas and countries that had larger numbers of religious minorities (Levack 122). The countries that had to most intense witch-hunting were in Germany, Switzerland, France, Poland, and Scotland (Levack 123). The divide of churches led to more witch-hunts and deaths; there is a strong correlation between witch-hunting and religious disagreement. 

Do you believe the reformation had an impact on witch-hunting?

What were some things you thought were interesting about the connection between the reformation and the witch-hunts?