Religion And The Decline Of Magic by Keith Thomas
- 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 Through a thorough examination of historical documents, literature, and social practices, Thomas argues that the rise of Protestantism played a pivotal role in the diminishing acceptance of magic and superstition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 offer explanations and control for misfortune
B) To advance scientific knowledge
C) To promote atheism
D) To challenge the monarchy
- 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 Protestant Reformation
D) The Inquisition
- 4. What was a key reason for people to consult 'cunning-folk'?
A) To get married in secret
B) To receive formal education
C) To recover stolen property
D) To join the clergy
- 5. Which group's teachings are cited as contributing to a worldview that made magic less necessary?
A) The Lollards
B) The Puritans
C) The Jesuits
D) The Anabaptists
- 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 considered identical to astronomy
B) It was practiced only by a secretive few
C) It was widely consulted for medicine and personal decisions
D) It was universally condemned by the Church
- 8. Which Catholic practice did Protestants condemn as being too similar to magic?
A) Monastic life
B) The use of sacramentals and exorcism
C) The veneration of saints
D) The saying of grace before meals
- 9. What is Thomas's main methodological approach in the book?
A) Social history
B) Literary criticism
C) Psychological profiling
D) Theological analysis
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