Throughout history, religion has played an enormous role in the way in which individuals perceive the world around them and how society is affected as a result. That being said, these perceptions are highly influenced by the degree to which individuals devote themselves and conform to their religion. When looking at two literary texts from American history through the key concept of religion, it is clear that the role of religion in society has not remained continuous. The book “Wonders of the Invisible World” by Cotton Mather, presents a firsthand report of The Salem Witch Trials, where Mather attempts to justify the events through his belief that piousness ultimately defeats evil. Like most people in New England during the time, Mather was
…show more content…
The Puritans associated witchcraft as the work of the devil and states; the Devil has made a dreadful Knot of Witches in the Country, and by the help of Witches has dreadfully Encreased that Knot: That these Witches have driven a Trade of Commissioning their Confederate Spirits, to do all sorts of Mischiefs to the Neighbours”(Mather, 2). Through this quote, Mather implies that the devil is responsible for the creation of the witches in the country who are now spreading their witchcraft and doing his dirty work. It is hence believed that witches are comprised of the people that have gone against God meaning they have partaken in evil and been claimed by the devil. The association with witchcraft and the eminent fear of the devil contributes a great deal to understanding the cause of the Salem Trials. Furthermore, Mather states; “And, Having obtained Help from God, we continue to this Day. Wherefore the Devil is now making one Attempt more upon us... an Attempt, so Critical, that if we get well through, we shall soon Enjoy Halcyon Days with all the Vultures of Hell, Trodden under our Feet” (Mather, 1). Mather claims that according to God, if the Puritans’ were able to overcome the devils “attempts” to persecute them, then their futures would be free of evil. In order to defeat the devil and remain pious, the Puritans had to destroy the evil he was bringing upon them- the witches. Therefore, even though the trials involved torture and murder, Mather justified them through religion because he believed that eliminating witchcraft was their duty to
The Puritans associated witchcraft as the work of the devil and states; the Devil has made a dreadful Knot of Witches in the Country, and by the help of Witches has dreadfully Encreased that Knot: That these Witches have driven a Trade of Commissioning their Confederate Spirits, to do all sorts of Mischiefs to the Neighbours”(Mather, 2). Through this quote, Mather implies that the devil is responsible for the creation of the witches in the country who are now spreading their witchcraft and doing his dirty work. It is hence believed that witches are comprised of the people that have gone against God meaning they have partaken in evil and been claimed by the devil. The association with witchcraft and the eminent fear of the devil contributes a great deal to understanding the cause of the Salem Trials. Furthermore, Mather states; “And, Having obtained Help from God, we continue to this Day. Wherefore the Devil is now making one Attempt more upon us... an Attempt, so Critical, that if we get well through, we shall soon Enjoy Halcyon Days with all the Vultures of Hell, Trodden under our Feet” (Mather, 1). Mather claims that according to God, if the Puritans’ were able to overcome the devils “attempts” to persecute them, then their futures would be free of evil. In order to defeat the devil and remain pious, the Puritans had to destroy the evil he was bringing upon them- the witches. Therefore, even though the trials involved torture and murder, Mather justified them through religion because he believed that eliminating witchcraft was their duty to