[qoute] was just wondering what triggered this realization that caused this change in belief [/quote]
Answer: Science and social science. It is now common knowledge that a confession given under duress is usually a false confession. Multiply this several times if under torture.
Science gives us reasonable and provable solutions for phenomena therefore we don't have to blame the unknown on magic. Furthermore if the unknown is truly unknown we use the scientific method to come about an answer. As a result of these things it has now become shamefully embarrassing (most of the time) to blame things on supernatural things.
For example: A child has a large head, distended belly and has difficulty sleeping at night. Is this due to witchcraft or are these the common symptoms of starvation and malnutrition?
- Someone has a nasty mole on their face. Was this caused by a demon suckling on that spot or is it just a harmless (though ugly) growth that can be removed.
- Crops fail due to drought. Is this a part of a natural cycle or is it witch craft. What is the historical record of drought in the region?
- Someone dies suddenly. Did a witch put a spell on this person or did this person eat too many cheeseburgers in his lifetime?
BTW the examples I gave were all things that at one time were attributed to witchcraft. Every example except the mole is a belief in Nigeria and parts of Africa. The mole/witch sign was a belief in America and Europe around the 1600's. Ironically Hellen Ukpabio, the Nigerian witch hunter, has a nasty giant mole on her cheek.
Answer: Science and social science. It is now common knowledge that a confession given under duress is usually a false confession. Multiply this several times if under torture.
Science gives us reasonable and provable solutions for phenomena therefore we don't have to blame the unknown on magic. Furthermore if the unknown is truly unknown we use the scientific method to come about an answer. As a result of these things it has now become shamefully embarrassing (most of the time) to blame things on supernatural things.
For example: A child has a large head, distended belly and has difficulty sleeping at night. Is this due to witchcraft or are these the common symptoms of starvation and malnutrition?
- Someone has a nasty mole on their face. Was this caused by a demon suckling on that spot or is it just a harmless (though ugly) growth that can be removed.
- Crops fail due to drought. Is this a part of a natural cycle or is it witch craft. What is the historical record of drought in the region?
- Someone dies suddenly. Did a witch put a spell on this person or did this person eat too many cheeseburgers in his lifetime?
BTW the examples I gave were all things that at one time were attributed to witchcraft. Every example except the mole is a belief in Nigeria and parts of Africa. The mole/witch sign was a belief in America and Europe around the 1600's. Ironically Hellen Ukpabio, the Nigerian witch hunter, has a nasty giant mole on her cheek.
I have studied the Bible and the theology behind Christianity for many years. I have been to many churches. I have walked the depth and the breadth of the religion and, as a result of this, I have a lot of bullshit to scrape off the bottom of my shoes. ~Ziploc Surprise