CHRONOLOGY OF WITCH HUNTING IN GERMANY

KRAMER & SPRENGER  Witch Trials 1481-1486

WITCH PANIC in Germany  1561-1670

REFORMATION   Luther’s break with Rome 1517-1521

                             Religious warfare 1530’s-1540’s
                                   between Catholic Emperor Charles V
                                   and  German Lutheran Princes

                            1555 Peace of Augsburg
                                     political settlement of German Reformation
                                     local Prince or city picks the religion   

GAP from 1520’s to 1560’s due Reformation, warfare

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REFORMATION ATTITUDE TO WITCHCRAFT

Martin Luther (1483-1546): two quotes on witches:  

1.       "When I was a child, there were many witches & sorcerers,
   who bewitched both cattle & men, but especially children,  
   & did great harm.  But now in the light of the gospel, these
   things are not so commonly heard of, for the gospel thrusts
   out the devil."    Commentary on Galatians  (1531)

Events is Luther referring to “when I was a child” are Kramer &
Sprenger trials of 1481-1486.

Reflects optimistic attitude about the power of Christianity over
demons and witches characteristic of the early Reformation

2.    "I would have no compassion on these witches; I would
        burn all of them." Table Talk   (l540's)   

Second quote reflects the increasing pessimism Luther felt later
in life due to continued use of magic by ordinary people.