During the 17th and 18th centuries, a bizarre phenomenon gripped Europe, leading people to commit murder with the intention of being executed. Contrary to modern sensibilities, this macabre trend stemmed from a peculiar blend of religious beliefs and legal consequences.
Suicide was deemed a grave sin, with severe penalties imposed by both religious doctrines and legal systems. Religious interpretations, particularly influenced by figures like Martin Luther, emphasized the eternal damnation awaiting those who took their own lives.
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However, a loophole emerged: murderers could repent before their execution, potentially securing salvation. This notion prompted some to commit murder in the hopes of redeeming their souls.
Strikingly, individuals openly confessed their motives, viewing execution as a pathway to spiritual absolution. The law responded with harsh punishments, aiming to deter such acts through public displays of torture and humiliation.
Eventually, governments adjusted their approach, abolishing the death penalty for suicide-murders and opting for lifetime hard labor instead. Despite religious objections, this shift effectively curbed the trend.
This dark period in history reveals the intricate interplay between religious beliefs, legal frameworks, and human desperation, offering a chilling glimpse into the complexities of the human psyche.
Top image: Why were some so keen to be executed they would commit murder? Source: Jean Froissart / Public Domain.
