Hi Pamela, Well, certainly there was intolerance of other religions and beliefs going on at that time, as there is now, although I don't believe it's any where near as widespread, or should I say severe, as it was then. It's even very possible that intolerance was at least one of the causes of the accusations, however, I don't think that the vast majority of the population, who TRULY BELIEVED the accused were in fact witches, can be accused of intolerance. In 1692, it was believed that if someone was a witch, that person had not only made a pact with the devil, but had mystical powers which could easily be used to harm others...generally the God fearing Christians of the community, who would be the natural enemies to Satan. I believe that the normal reaction to such a perceived threat would be fear. Yes, if such an occurrence happened today, I would call it a result of intolerance, but that's because I don't believe that there are too many among us today, who believe that either being a Wiccan OR a Satanic worshiper gives a person supernatural powers!! Yes, there are loads of people who still fear both groups, as well as many others, but because they assume them to be evil, not supernatural! And as long as I'm tossing around my humble opinions, let me just add this... I don't believe that there's a whole world of difference between fear and intolerance! I believe most intolerances and prejudices are born out of the FEAR of the unknown or the unfamiliar! Just my opinion!!! Joan In a message dated 11/5/2002 3:02:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, halloweenqueen@cheshire.net writes: > ? Was it being terrified of witches or was it intolerance and hating witches > just a bit more than hating others not of your religious persuasion llike > Quakers, Catholics etc. I see the same intolerance today in the name of many > different fundamentalist groups. Just wondering..... Sorry to bother you. > Pamela >

Joan, I guess your last paragraph encompassed it all and I totally agree. However, I still feel that the intolerance and hate of the greedy overcame many. Jealousy, covetness..etc. I often think we are making too many excusses for those involved in the trials. I think some of them knew very well well what they were doing. We had a case last year up state NH where a Wiccan was burnt out of her home because her neighbor found out her religious persuasion. He wasn't frightened of her he made life miserable for her and then burnt her house down. The police botched the investigation and so he got away with it. The odds said to Putnum and Parris and Mather etc. etc. that they would land up wealthier or at least getting some or much of what they wanted. In horse racing even the favorites loose. Anyway, I didn't mean to butt in ....the devil made me do it...just joking....Blessings, Pamela ----- Original Message ----- From: <Jma8763@aol.com> To: <SALEM-WITCH-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 8:14 PM Subject: Re: [SALEM-WITCH-L] Re: Mischief > Hi Pamela, > > Well, certainly there was intolerance of other religions and beliefs going > on at that time, as there is now, although I don't believe it's any where > near as widespread, or should I say severe, as it was then. It's even very > possible that intolerance was at least one of the causes of the accusations, > however, I don't think that the vast majority of the population, who TRULY > BELIEVED the accused were in fact witches, can be accused of intolerance. In > 1692, it was believed that if someone was a witch, that person had not only > made a pact with the devil, but had mystical powers which could easily be > used to harm others...generally the God fearing Christians of the community, > who would be the natural enemies to Satan. I believe that the normal > reaction to such a perceived threat would be fear. > Yes, if such an occurrence happened today, I would call it a result of > intolerance, but that's because I don't believe that there are too many among > us today, who believe that either being a Wiccan OR a Satanic worshiper gives > a person supernatural powers!! Yes, there are loads of people who still fear > both groups, as well as many others, but because they assume them to be evil, > not supernatural! > And as long as I'm tossing around my humble opinions, let me just add > this... I don't believe that there's a whole world of difference between fear > and intolerance! I believe most intolerances and prejudices are born out of > the FEAR of the unknown or the unfamiliar! > > Just my opinion!!! > Joan > > > In a message dated 11/5/2002 3:02:50 PM Eastern Standard Time, > halloweenqueen@cheshire.net writes: > > > > ? Was it being terrified of witches or was it intolerance and hating witches > > just a bit more than hating others not of your religious persuasion llike > > Quakers, Catholics etc. I see the same intolerance today in the name of many > > different fundamentalist groups. Just wondering..... Sorry to bother you. > > Pamela > > > > > > >