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The Puritan Influence In The Salem Witch Trials

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The Salem Witch Trials were impacted by the Puritan religion, and the church’s social role and motives in the accusations made. The Salem Witch Trials were a reflection of how politics, the imaginations and fears of people can have severe consequences. The Puritans believed God shields his servants from harm’s way. However, when life in the Salem community begins to go awry, the only explanation was of the Devil. The strong belief of the Devil, and the effects of sin in Puritanism affected the community drastically. The Devil’s influence was the logical reasoning behind the fear of Native American attacks, and a recent smallpox epidemic. Practically, any sort of inconvenience the Puritans experienced was linked to the devil and his works. In the Puritan belief, a witch was one who’s supernatural ability came directly from the devil. Those who were weak in holding the Puritan faith and values, specifically children and women, were vulnerable to the Devil’s influence. …show more content…

This seeking for purity in their community required the Puritans to rid themselves of sinners. The Puritans sought to live christlike,for keeping the community pure from the devil. If you did not follow the Puritan customs and way of life, you were considered a sinner that deserved to be punished for your wrong doings. This fear of sin and not conforming to the church, lead to a fear of outsiders among the Puritans. The Salem village authorities and the Puritan church leaders were intertwined. The decisions made about the Salem Witch Trials were done by the authorities, who were influenced by the church about those

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