Why did the Stuarts believe in witches?

The Stuarts believed in witches largely due to a combination of religious fervor and societal fears during a time of political and social upheaval. They viewed witchcraft as a manifestation of evil, linked to the devil and heresy, which was particularly emphasized by the Protestant Reformation. This belief was further fueled by the publication of witch-hunting manuals, like "Daemonologie" by King James I, and the occurrence of witch trials, which reinforced the idea that witches posed a significant threat to both religious and societal order. As a result, witch hunts became a means of asserting control and addressing communal anxieties.