Popular Beliefs In Early Modern England

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Annette Keegan 13MS History Essay Describe the ways in which the practise of populars beliefs in Early Modern England was absorbed and changed by the establised church between 1558 and 1667. Evaluate the influence that popular beliefs had on the lives of people during this period. Early modern England was a time when anxiety was common in repsonse to the situation that was occuring and popular beliefs of this era. England between 1558-1667 saw the over turn of the dominant Roman Catholic Church within society and introduced the new religion of Protestantism which saw a completely new way of practising and celebrating their religion. Popular beliefs of witchcraft, magic and astrology were absorbed and changed by this new…show more content…
A balance to this was seen as white witches and black witches were both seen to exist. White witches were described as wise men and women, or cunning folk however black witches were understood to influence events both positively and negatively. Concern grew about being able to trust black witches fromthe 1550s, although specific dates also indicate times when persecution increased and decreased like the time when Matthew Hopkins 'Witchfinder general' intiated a heavy movement of persuction within the 1640s. Witchcraft was seen as dangerous and threatening to the people of this time, for example it was associated with heresy which is speaking out against the religious beliefs during that particular time period which was an offence you could be hanged for. Black witchcraft was believed to be inherited from the female side as women were seen as inferior to men and more likely to fall to temptation to the devil, for example 90% of those charged were women. A common charge for black witches was for bringing harm to people or property that they made possible by making a pact with Satan and having access to his invisible power. Those who were charged with witchcraft were often not random accusations but more an excuse to victimise women who were seen as "different" within that community, and over 50% of those charged were acquitted. However witches could be acquitted alive or dead as many tests…show more content…
Previously, with the Roman Catholic Church if people lived lives that were relatively free of sins then they were guareenteed their place in heaven which was promised to be an eternal life full of bliss and happiness. Upon the reformation of the newly established Protestant church they excluded the items they believed were unnecessary when worshipping God. Which meant people felt more vulnerable as they no longer had the protection the Roman Catholics offered. This then lead to the increased prosecution of witches due them being fearful, huge numbers of women were burned at the stake upon carrying the charge of being a witch. Astrology also increased anxiety as it provided solid predictions of what was to happen in the future and it was believed nothing could be done to change
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