Final answer:
Rev. Paris is adamant that no 'witchcraft' occurred because it was against his Puritan belief system, which blamed the devil for misdoings. The recitation of the Lord's Prayer by a convicted witch also contradicted the belief that witches were unable to perform religious acts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reverend Paris is adamant that no 'witchcraft' occurred because he was a part of the Puritan belief system which blamed the works of the devil for all misdoings in society. The fact that his daughter and niece were involved in occult practices made him believe that witchcraft was at work in Salem Village. Additionally, Reverend Burroughs' recitation of the Lord's Prayer perfectly before being hung contradicted the notion that witches were unable to perform such acts.