The Future of Witchcraft

In his article, Clark begins by saying that no two things could be further apart than demonology and science (2005: 151). However, he quickly changes his mind on this statement. He highlights that, from the 15^th to the 18^th century, questions dominating witchcraft concerned its very possibility as a genuine occurrence in the physical world (151). In other words, questions of demons and witches were a commonality for scientists in these eras. Clark defines demonology as a “study of a natural order in which the existence of demonic actions and effects was, largely, presupposed” (151).

The complete opposite of this idea and definition exists today. Modern science refers the deeds of devils and witches to a realm of supernatural, wholly beyond natural laws (Clark 152). As C.S. Lewis foregrounds, “such creatures are not part of the subject matter of natural philosophy” (Clark 152). Nowadays, it is regarded as occult or pseudo-science. Themes such as demons and witches have consequently become incompatible with scientific insight and progress.

Clark terms this development in scientific knowledge as the “rise of science and decline of magic.” This is an interesting thought. In my perspective, this magic that he is referring to is like religion. The word ‘magic’ can just as easily be substituted with ‘religion.’ So, the rise of science can be said to have led to a decline of magic and religion. As we become increasing aware of the world around us and advance in knowledge, then there becomes a decreasing interest in things such as magic and religion to explain ultimate questions. Nowadays, magic is termed “supernatural,” basically meaning ‘non-existent,’ or an idea from a past time. Does that mean religion will follow this path too? As science rises higher and higher, will religion become extinct and a part of history?

Clark argues that before enlightenment, and the coming of ‘new’ science, things were different, metaphysically speaking, and nature was thought to have other limits. He therefore views the modern era’s scepticism as not a victory of knowledge over ignorance, but rather a corollary of knowing nature according to different rules. In early modern Europe, it was the unanimous opinion that witches and demons, in fact, really did exist (Clark 152). Demonology was a part of early modern science and nature. So, rather than calling this period ‘foolish’ or ‘irrational’, the best way sum it up is by associating demonology with development and advancement in natural knowledge, not by stagnation or decay (Clark 156).

So, I wonder, is the extinction of religion next on this road of development and advancement? In the future, I ponder whether we will again regard nature according to different rules to the one’s we recognise now. Will religion become the new magic? Will it become a part of the supernatural in years to come? Will future scientists see us as ‘irrational’ for our somewhat unanimous opinion that God, or some kind of afterlife, really does exist?

Reference

Clark, S. 2005. Thinking with Demons. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Ch. 10