Puritan Beliefs and Biblical Background
When the Puritans sailed for New England in
1630, they brought over the Atlantic their own
set of religious views and beliefs, which would
be quite significant when it comes to Salem, MA.
The Puritans' Christian background really had
a prominent impact on the way women in Salem
were viewed. Puritans believed that women were
more susceptible to the influences of the Devil and
were tempted easily. This belief had a lot to do with
the biblical story of Adam and Eve, in which the
serpent tempted Eve away from God. The Puritans
had a very religious lifestyle, meaning they were
required to attend all church services and were
intolerant to any other religions or beliefs. It was
said that if you did not go to church on a regular
basis, then you were under Satan's influence,
especially if you were dealing with hardships in
your life at the time. No matter what hardships came
their way, the Puritans instantly blamed the Devil.
And this all lead up to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
When the Puritans sailed for New England in
1630, they brought over the Atlantic their own
set of religious views and beliefs, which would
be quite significant when it comes to Salem, MA.
The Puritans' Christian background really had
a prominent impact on the way women in Salem
were viewed. Puritans believed that women were
more susceptible to the influences of the Devil and
were tempted easily. This belief had a lot to do with
the biblical story of Adam and Eve, in which the
serpent tempted Eve away from God. The Puritans
had a very religious lifestyle, meaning they were
required to attend all church services and were
intolerant to any other religions or beliefs. It was
said that if you did not go to church on a regular
basis, then you were under Satan's influence,
especially if you were dealing with hardships in
your life at the time. No matter what hardships came
their way, the Puritans instantly blamed the Devil.
And this all lead up to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692.
Satanism vs. Witchcraft
People have put witches in the same category as satanists for two main reasons: they have a number of symbols in common, such as the pentagram, and they also place a heavy accentuation on magical rituals. Putting similarites aside, the two are still very different from each other. They each have their own sets of beliefs and practices, which are very distinct and are their own. Witches deny the existence of Satan as a personal being while Satanists believe the complete opposite of that. With Witchcraft, there is no singular higher power whereas with Satanism, there is a higher power, which is Satan. Witches are deeply involved with nature, more so than Satanists. Nature is a key element used in Witchcraft. Most of the power is drawn from nature. Satanism may include nature, however it isn't as big of a priority as it is for Witchcraft.
People have put witches in the same category as satanists for two main reasons: they have a number of symbols in common, such as the pentagram, and they also place a heavy accentuation on magical rituals. Putting similarites aside, the two are still very different from each other. They each have their own sets of beliefs and practices, which are very distinct and are their own. Witches deny the existence of Satan as a personal being while Satanists believe the complete opposite of that. With Witchcraft, there is no singular higher power whereas with Satanism, there is a higher power, which is Satan. Witches are deeply involved with nature, more so than Satanists. Nature is a key element used in Witchcraft. Most of the power is drawn from nature. Satanism may include nature, however it isn't as big of a priority as it is for Witchcraft.
Works Cited
"Satanism and Witchcraft: Is Satanism the Same as Witchcraft? - Christian Research Institute." Christian Research Institute. N.p., 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
"Satanism: The World of the Occult – A Christian View of Demonic Worship." Probe Ministries. N.p., 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
"The Devil & Satan in Puritan Beliefs." Our Everyday Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
"Satanism and Witchcraft: Is Satanism the Same as Witchcraft? - Christian Research Institute." Christian Research Institute. N.p., 2012. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
"Satanism: The World of the Occult – A Christian View of Demonic Worship." Probe Ministries. N.p., 2015. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
"The Devil & Satan in Puritan Beliefs." Our Everyday Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2016.