Witchcraft & Heresy Lesson 12

Lesson and description here, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

Original: I would definitely agree with Kieckhefer’s description that anti-Semitism, misogyny, and a zealous urge for religious reform is partly responsible for the rise and regularity of the witch trials. But I also must note that I feel fear played a far larger role at the heart of all of this accusation and schism between various groups in the Middle Ages. After writing and reading the responses for the most previous question, although there are many possible reasons for the rise of the witch trials, I strongly feel fear is the foundation of all of those excellent reasons. Fear of the unknown, fear of power, fear of competition, fear of harm, fear of not having the correct answers, fear of you and/or others not making it to heaven, and on and on. Fear is a powerful tool that can get even the sanest people to do horrific things. I do further agree with Kieckhefer, that the real victims were the ones who practiced magic and/or differing religions that were repressed, punished, and executed. For I still feel the same today for minority groups of all sorts that face prejudice and discrimination based on their mere differences from the majority. They are unquestionably the victims here, not the majority. If you were part of a small group in which a larger group was intent on wiping you out, I think you would agree without a second thought. With that in mind I do feel that some similar trial from historical times could occur in today’s world. As even the previous lecture demonstrates some rather recent trials, further proving that they do exist. Even if witchcraft isn’t the center of the issue, just any minority group can face this kind of treatment whether it is in a legal fashion or not.
Student response #1: Although I understand where you are coming from, I must point out the contradiction in your post. You mention how groups today are still persecuted and repressed for their beliefs and that witchcraft is limited to third world countries, yet you say the fear or belief in witchcraft is virtually zero. I would have to disagree that the fear and beliefs are virtually nonexistent. Our previous lecture mentions recent examples of witch trials and such. This is evident that these beliefs still exist although they may not be wholly central in our culture or many others for the matter. But saying they are nonexistent would simply be a lie.
Student response #2: I understand what you are saying but I feel there are two things I must point out. First you say that jealousy and boredom having nothing to do with religion, although I know the point you’re trying to make, I feel inclined to say that jealousy and boredom have quite some influence in religion. Jealousy, first of all, has roots of fear which essentially is the basis for persecution and punishments done on “the others.” Even the Ten Commandments state that God is a jealous God, if I must say. Secondly, I think you misunderstood who Kieckhefer was referring to as the victims. The people in which you felt were the victims are the ones that Kieckhefer is also referring to.