A Dark Past. An In-Depth Look at the Salem Witch Trials & Their Impact on Society
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Religion. A concept so personal, yet, always infringed upon by others. One is likely to cross paths with an individual, or individuals, who believe their faith to be superior. Luckily, we now find ourselves in an era consumed by knowledge. Any doubt, worry, or question we have can be answered with the click of a button. Most of humanity was not blessed with such a vast array of knowledge. Many individuals from eras past looked to “greater powers” for knowledge and answers. Many times, faith was simply used as a coping mechanism. To protect you from the unknown.
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This brings us to the Salem Witch Trials. The Salem Witch Trials were a series of unjust prosecutions against thirty individuals, in which nineteen were executed. Each of these individuals or beings was accused of witchcraft. Yes, these trials were not just for humans. Two dogs were also accused of witchcraft. If that does not add emphasis to the lunacy that was colonial American religion, I am not sure what will. Science Magazine conducted a study that concluded that a fungus growing on the wheat may have caused these outlandish thoughts/actions. Side effects could have included vomiting and delusions. This would give the impression that one was possessed, bewitched, or practicing witchcraft.
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Furthermore, many used the commotion to accuse members of the upper echelon in the community or their kin of witchcraft. Many of the accused admitted guilt and offered up others in an attempt to save themselves. Ultimately, amplifying the hysterics that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials. Toward the latter portion of the trials, many individuals began to lose their support for the trials. At that time, Cotton Mather (Puritan Clergyman) advocated heavily against the trials, holding the belief that the burden of proof for witchcraft should be the same as any other crime. Stating, “It would be better that ten suspected witches may escape than one innocent person is condemned.”. Life is far too precious to take the lives of individuals over their religious beliefs/practices. Cotton Mather, aware of this, was one of the first to take a stand against these immoral prosecutions.
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The Salem Witch Trials lasted from 1692-to 1693. Claiming the lives of Bridget Bishop, Sarah Good, Rebecca Nurse, Elizabeth Howe, Susannah Martin, Sarah Wildes, George Burroughs, George Jacobs Sr., Martha Carrier, John Proctor, John Willard, Martha Corey, Mary Eastey, Mary Parker, Alice Parker, Ann Pudeator, Wilmot Redd, Margaret Scott, Samuel Wardwell Sr., and Giles Corey, may they all Rest in Peace. These were lives that were unjustly cut short, but their sacrifice will never be forgotten. As their deaths are responsible for the first steps taken toward religious tolerance within this nation. Nowadays, we are lucky enough to live in a nation that would be tolerant of practicing witchcraft if that was your desire. Yes, religion in this nation has an extremely dark past. However, we have made it to the light as a result of sacrifice. We must carry on the memories of these nineteen lives lost, as they have done more than one can imagine.
Strike out,
Writer: Lucas Zaret
Editor: Breanna Tang
Graphic Designer: Kathleen Esguerra
Tallahassee