European Witch Hunts

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European Witch Hunts
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Were they Misogynistic?
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View of Women

• Everything was Biblical!
• Were inferior
• Objects of insatiable lust
• Prone to evil
• Original Sinners
• Temptress
• Reformation brought New hope for Women but
• Catholic V Protestant
• Which is more likely to persecute?
• EQUAL each wanted to show their power over the
  devil!

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View of Women

• Developed over many years by the church.
• From the book of Timothy (yes it is real Paul
  wrote to him..!!)
• Let the woman learn in silence with all
  subjection.
• For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
• Notwithstanding she shall be saved in
  childbearing,
• To be discreet, chaste, keepers of the home,
  good, obedient to their own husbands,

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What was a Witch?How do you know she is a
witch?

• She looks like one! syphilis
• If she did not fit the cultural norms
• Single / elderly
• Outspoken /powerful
• Smart (midwives)

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Witch Trials

• The Witchs Hammer
• Book published by the church
• Witch hunting for dummies
• Stems from translation of the Bible
• Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live
• Latin term was maleficos gender neutral, BUT

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• http//departments.kings.edu/womens5Fhistory/witc
  h/hunt/

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Were they Misogynistic?