RLG303H1 Lecture Notes - Temporalities, Summis Desiderantes Affectibus, Shapeshifting
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Option1 write a standard response paper (week 6 heading) when essay is due. Prior to the witch crazes, people already believed in witchcraft and magic. Helpful v. harmful magic (light v. dark ) Exodus 12:18 thou shalt not suffer a witch to live generally considered to mean that witches couldn"t not be permitted to exist within the christian community. Over time witchcraft came to be more associated with a pact or deal with the devil. Women considered particularly prone to becoming witches less control over urges (eve) Women thought to have less control over sexual urges, and were tempted into sexual relations with the devil. The interpretation is that practitioners of witchcraft seek to bring ruin onto the society of believers. A blood oath made wit hthe devil. Sexual rituals and encounters strengthen the bonds. Gain ability to shapeshift and to summon animas animated by demonic spirits. The witches marl is the sign of belonging.