THE HISTORY AND ORIGINS OF DEMONOLOGY: A JOURNEY THROUGH BELIEF AND CULTURE
witchcraft and demonic pacts. During this time, demonology became intertwined with theology, law, and folklore. Scholars like Johann Weyer and Reginald Scot began to challenge the prevailing beliefs, arguing that many supposed witches were victims of societal hysteria rather than actual practitioners of evil. Despite these challenges, the fear of demons persisted, influencing art, literature, and popular culture. ## The Enlightenment and Beyond The Enlightenment brought about a shift in thinking, as rationalism and scientific inquiry began to challenge traditional beliefs in the supernatural. Demonology, while still present in folklore and religious contexts, became less central to mainstream thought. However, the fascination with demons persisted in literature and the arts, inspiring works by authors such as John Milton in "Paradise Lost" and Goethe in "Faust." In the 19th and 20th centuries, demonology experienced a revival through the lens of psychology and the o...