On September 20; 1587; Walpurga Hausmännin of Dillingen in southern Germany was burned at the stake as a witch. Although she had confessed to committing a long list of maleficia (deeds of harmful magic); including killing forty—one infants and two mothers in labor; her evil career allegedly began with just one heinous act—sex with a demon. Fornication with demons was a major theme of her trial record; which detailed an almost continuous orgy of sexual excess with her diabolical paramour Federlin "in many divers places; . . . even in the street by night."As Walter Stephens demonstrates in Demon Lovers; it was not Hausmännin or other so-called witches who were obsessive about sex with demons—instead; a number of devout Christians; including trained theologians; displayed an uncanny preoccupation with the topic during the centuries of the "witch craze." Why? To find out; Stephens conducts a detailed investigation of the first and most influential treatises on witchcraft (written between 1430 and 1530); including the infamous Malleus Maleficarum (Hammer of Witches).Far from being credulous fools or mindless misogynists; early writers on witchcraft emerge in Stephens's account as rational but reluctant skeptics; trying desperately to resolve contradictions in Christian thought on God; spirits; and sacraments that had bedeviled theologians for centuries. Proof of the physical existence of demons—for instance; through evidence of their intercourse with mortal witches—would provide strong evidence for the reality of the supernatural; the truth of the Bible; and the existence of God. Early modern witchcraft theory reflected a crisis of belief—a crisis that continues to be expressed today in popular debates over angels; Satanic ritual child abuse; and alien abduction.
#630303 in Books 1984-09-15 1984-09-15Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .80 x 5.50l; .65 #File Name: 0226616010232 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Challenging; but interesting....By Karen R.I won't repeat what others have said; but this book offers a unique perspective for anyone who is interested in learning more about religious symbolism and the related psychological processes. It is in-depth; and yes; some of the concepts are challenging. But; they are concepts worth pondering if you are into this kind of thing (or if your college professor makes you read it regardless!). I'm a Religions major; so I find the personal accounts fascinating; especially those offered from the women subjects. I also appreciate the glossary and note section that Obeyesekere included (as some authors don't bother; which is annoying).10 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Sacred or crazy - a matter of cultural knowledgeBy Jon C. TevikWhat is most rewarding with this book; is the cultural/cognitive analysis done by the author. Obeyesekere explains how the women with matted hair (in an Indian province) obtain their particular status in a society brimming with mythological images and tales very much pervading daily life. Very Freudian in his approach when recording the life stories of the women (allowances has to be made for this) and subsequently how these trajectories have formed the women; the author demonstrates how the women are able to explain what has happened to them by sharing the society's knowledge of the religious myths. By drawing on these myths; and their images; the women can manipulate and approriate these images when accounting for how they got their matted hair; and consequently the sacred character of their being. So long as their account is identifiable and compatible with commonly held knowledge of the religious myths and tales; they are plausible and deemed valid by the community. Should a tale prove unidentifiable with the body of myths and characteristica of spirits; one may very well be described as plain ol' crazy. I feel that the fundamental argument of the book is how intimate knowledge of the mythological content of the culture; and the successful manipulation of this; leads to an elevation of social status; whereas in western societies; the long since (by and large) eradication of these beliefs (in lack of a better word) will most certanily lead a person with similar symptoms destined for a diagnosis of mental ilness or -unstability. This is the strongest argument in the book; one that is firmly supported by the analysis; notwithstanding the reservations one might have towards traditional psychoanalisis. It's not a light read; but getting into the cultural analysis might be a sweet reward.8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. grossly interesting; an inspiring readBy eleanor maidmentHaving read Medusa'a Hair as part of my University coursework; I was very impressed; Most of the books we are asked to read are fairly dull but this book really captivated me. Obeyesekere's personal opinions on the subject of matted hair in Sri Lankan women attending the festival at Kataragama was facinating. He has a great way of putting across his own opinion and whilst he makes a great bridge between Weber's and Freud's philosphical standpoints; he very effectively shows his position acroos to the reader. This may seem like a difficult book to comprehend but once read will be greatly admired
