- 1. In 'Religion and the Decline of Magic,' Keith Thomas explores the intricate relationship between religion and the waning of magical beliefs in early modern England. Through a thorough examination of historical documents, literature, and social practices, Thomas argues that the rise of Protestantism played a pivotal role in the diminishing acceptance of magic and superstition during the 16th and 17th centuries. He illustrates how the Church's doctrines increasingly marginalized magical practices, which were once interwoven with the fabric of daily life and seen as integral to community and individual well-being. The book delves into case studies of witch trials, the shifting attitudes towards natural philosophy, and the growing reliance on empirical science, illustrating a cultural transformation where rationality began to overshadow mystical explanations of existence. By contextualizing these changes within broader social and economic shifts, Thomas articulates a compelling narrative of how religious thought not only influenced but also helped to systematically dismantle a worldview that embraced magic as a legitimate force in the human experience, ultimately paving the way for the secularization of society in the modern era.
In which country is the study primarily set?
A) France
B) Germany
C) England
D) Italy
- 2. According to Thomas, what was a primary function of magic in pre-modern society?
A) To advance scientific knowledge
B) To challenge the monarchy
C) To offer explanations and control for misfortune
D) To promote atheism
- 3. What major religious event does Thomas argue failed to meet all the psychological needs of the populace?
A) The Great Schism
B) The Crusades
C) The Inquisition
D) The Protestant Reformation
- 4. What was a key reason for people to consult 'cunning-folk'?
A) To recover stolen property
B) To get married in secret
C) To join the clergy
D) To receive formal education
- 5. Which group's teachings are cited as contributing to a worldview that made magic less necessary?
A) The Anabaptists
B) The Puritans
C) The Lollards
D) The Jesuits
- 6. What was a common accusation against witches in the period Thomas studies?
A) Forging royal documents
B) Leading Protestant congregations
C) Causing illness or death to people and livestock
D) Practicing alchemy to create gold
- 7. What role did astrology play in the period Thomas examines?
A) It was universally condemned by the Church
B) It was considered identical to astronomy
C) It was practiced only by a secretive few
D) It was widely consulted for medicine and personal decisions
- 8. Which Catholic practice did Protestants condemn as being too similar to magic?
A) The use of sacramentals and exorcism
B) The saying of grace before meals
C) The veneration of saints
D) Monastic life
- 9. What is Thomas's main methodological approach in the book?
A) Theological analysis
B) Psychological profiling
C) Literary criticism
D) Social history
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