Murder and Killings on Religious Grounds; a Tentative Topology and Some Reflections

• NCJ Number: 131724
• Journal: Justitiele verkenningen Volume: 17 Issue: 1 Dated: special issue (January/February 1991) Pages: 59-86
• Author(s): J Verrips
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 28 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Netherlands

Annotation

A tentative topology is presented of religiously motivated cases of manslaughter among West European and North American christians.

Abstract

Types of crimes include murder of witches, exorcism murders, murder of persons believed to be the devil, Abraham's sacrifices, and crucifixions. Although the incidence of some types has decreased, the exorcism murders and murders of persons believed to be the devil have persisted over time. The belief in the existence of the devil is considered very important for a better understanding of the latter phenomenon. 30 references (Author abstract modified)