Religion and the Decline of Magic
Was the decline of magic really a good thing?
In the “Religion and the Decline of Magic” by Keith Thomas, there are a number of ideas discussed regarding the decrease in belief of magic. I found this article to be one of the most interesting I have read so far. It included a lot of discussion about the beliefs and how they evolved throughout the past few centuries. I have often wondered about the correlation between science and magic and if there was any point in history where they coexisted as both prominent beliefs. This reading gave me some clarification on this.
I do want to start off by saying that while this reading is very interesting, it is also a bit conflicting to my more “whimsical” beliefs. It was still a very enjoyable to read but it makes a continuous valid argument throughout—which is that the presence of magic is often dominant when there is an unknown explanation or when there is loss of control of ones environment (Thomas, 774-775). One of the most notable parts in this reading was when the theories of anthropologist Bronislaw Malinowski were explained as:
“…to be expected and generally to be found whenever man comes to an unbridgeable gap, a hiatus in his knowledge or in his powers of practical control, and yet has to continue in his pursuit'. As an alternative to helpless impotence, the savage falls back upon the substitute activity of magical ritual. ”
The article further discusses about how these rituals are performed in every aspect in life, and not just pertaining to human skill. There is mention of “ritual precaution” that explains that these charms proved humans’ recognition they had for nature the surrounding them.
Nature recognition and the attention to detail regarding successful agricultural outcomes was an attempt to connect with the land. I think this is one of many benefits of the ideas of magic even though this article argues against the scientific accuracy of it. In our past class discussion, we had talked about an article called “Wild Ethics and Participatory Science: Thinking Between the Body and the Breathing Earth” by David Abram. In this article by Abrams, there is a quote that connects to Thomas’s reading:
“Acknowledging the inherent ambiguity and mystery of the myriad beings that surround us (by acknowledging that we can never fathom all the secrets of even a single blade of grass) is a way of thinking that engenders humility and a steady wonder—the exuberant heart of a wild ethics.”
Magic is debatably an attempt to interfere with natural cause, but almost rather an acknowledgment of unexplainable natural occurrence. Instead of dismissing magic as a lost cause, I think it can be viewed as merely human and a symbol of alliance between humans and nature. The past readings have impacted my thoughts toward nature and I feel like technology has ruined many areas of it. So in a sense, I think magic can be a successful belief system as it is a way of control without being environmentally harmful. Later on in the reading, magic is said to have declined also due to the “marked improvement in the extent to which this environment became amenable to control (Thomas, 777).” Magic was said to have been the last preventative blockade to the world of improved technology.
It’s funny because in the past (before reading all of the recent assigned reads for this class), I would have perceived this article TOTALLY different. I would have seen this as an explanation of a human coping mechanism for phenomenon humans do not understand and how improvement within math/science have phased out the reliance on magical beliefs. But after having the readings about kinship and caring for the land, this reading was quite bittersweet to me. In a way, the time when magic beliefs were more common, I feel it had prevented a lot of hazard and destruction to the land because the ideology behind many rituals of magic were often promoting connection with the land and universe (without destructive interference). It was peaceful relinquishing of control rather than a NEED to understand and control a majority of aspects in ones life. I am by no means dismissing the importance of science and technology—as I believe knowledge is power (cliché I know)—but I think the simpleness of not needing to exploit natural occurrences within nature to try and control it is an admirable trait of magical beliefs.
Hello! The reflection between science, magic, and our connection to the natural world is something this reading and post has made doin'. Fascinating to think of the ways people throughout history have tried to make sense of the unknown/unexplainable. Thomas' discussion of magic's decline had me thinking about our need for control and how it has shaped the modern world and its perspective. The claim that magic thrives in spaces where uncertainty and lack on control are fostered does make sense, but as you mentioned, it also makes one think perhaps something valuable is lost when those beliefs fade away... There is also the idea that magical rituals were often a way of recognizing and respecting nature. I think embracing that idea can create a sense of humility and a deeper connection with the world/nature around us. I think its key to see how technological advancements have distanced humankind from nature, while these magical traditions often reinforced the sense of kinship with the land. I also thought your point on how perspectives shift after recent readings to be something I can connect to. I know plenty of people, including sometimes myself to dismiss magic as a primitive or simplified way of thinking and coping with the unknown. There is something admirable about the way magic emphasizes coexistence rather than domination. Great post!
"I do want to start off by saying that while this reading is very interesting, it is also a bit conflicting to my more “whimsical” beliefs." I have a similar annoyance with Keith Thomas. He is a bit patronizing!!