It seems as if the term witchcraft is still in affect even hundreds of years after the tragedy of the Salem Witch Trials. I came across an article online that really grabbed my attention. The article was referring to Sarah Palin, the current Republican VP candidate, and acts she has decided to take to free herself from witchcraft. In 2005, Sarah Palin, decided to be blessed by her church to help her stray from the dangers of witchcraft. This was around the time she was deciding to take a higher role in the government. Thomas Munthee, a Kenyan Penetcostal Bishop, led the blessing in Palin's church in Alaska (the blessing ceremony has become a popular video on youtube). In Africa witchcraft is prevalent, and not as rare compared to the United States. He wanted to free her from the devil, and help her lead the world in the right direction. He uses the words and phrases "enemies" and "in the name of Jesus." This vocabulary leads me back to the Crucible and how this article relates to the playwrite. So many years have passed, yet people still fear the same things. In perilous times, people will look towards their faith to help them rise above the chaos. As Sarah Palin is venturing into unknown territory, she wants to make sure she is safe. Religion can offer a sense of security and comfort. I have to think that is why people follow it so strongly. Palin's church has been known to partake in some unusual rituals, but also very spiritual acts. They aren't meant to cause harm just create a harmony for life.
1 comment:
I did not know that people still believed witchcraft is still around. I think that in some ways, Palin is similar to the Puritans. She is venturing into unknown land by possibly becoming the next vice president. When the Puritans arrived in America, they, too, were venturing into unknown land. Palin and the leaders of the Puritans were in charge of governing many people so to them, it was comforting to have a religion to guide them. And to both, they wanted to do they best they could and therefore, not "sign the Devil's book." This just shows that the ways of the Puritans are still present today.
Post a Comment