Do you believe what Cotton Mather did was good?

Answer 1

First of all, if you are only speaking of his role in the Salem Wtich Trials, that is only a fraction of his whole life, so to be fair you must consider all of his historical contributions.

Secondly, speaking as a Catholic, I can say that Cotton Mather is not an influence on Catholic thought at all, therefore his significance to me is minimal.

He is more of a Protestant/early American figure.

Historically, he played an important role as a Puritan religious leader and his emphasis on moral living was definitely a good thing. He also wrote a great deal and is therefore an important American literary figure.

Something often overlooked is Mather's interest in innoculation against disease, which many viewed with suspicion. Mather saved a few people by encouraging them to be innoculated against smallpox.

As far as his connection to the Salem Witch trials, it's hard to say. Like many there, he was a devout man and his intentions were good. In his own words, he merely wished that God be glorified. But he will be judged by God for his actions, good and bad.

As we all will be one day.

Answer 2

No. He fostered an environment in which innocent people were killed. None that were hung or pressed in 1692 were witches.

Answer 3

Sure.