Sacrifice is the theme of Sunday’s readings. Sacrifice means the priestly ritual of “offering something (especially a life) to a deity” and thus lessen the deity’s wrath and violence. The taking of sacrificed life in death rituals, is the primary ritual of the religion of Militarism and it is practiced throughout the Old Testament. It … Continue reading “Animal Sacrifice”
Tag: human sacrifice
The Challenge to Change Religion
Sunday’s first reading concerns child sacrifice. Yahweh wants Abraham to murder his young son, Isaac, as a test of faith. Will Abraham offer his son in a blood sacrifice ritual for Yahweh? It turns out that Abraham will. At the last moment, however, Yahweh stops Abraham but commends his willingness to obey the violent command. … Continue reading “The Challenge to Change Religion”
Unholy Hosts
Jesus tells a parable about a banquet. It includes criticism of holy rulers who oppose him and the banquet. The holy rulers are being replaced with a people’s movement and their banquet is being replaced by a table of communion. The rulers banquet is referenced in today’s first reading from Isaiah. In it, Yahweh, the … Continue reading “Unholy Hosts”
Militarism’s Blood Sacrifice System
The opening verses of Sunday’s Gospel describe an ancient and assuredly gruesome practice; blood sacrifice. Blood sacrifice of animals, even humans, has been practiced across history and long considered holy. It was practiced by the people of ancient China and India, by the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and still more. Readers of the Old Testament … Continue reading “Militarism’s Blood Sacrifice System”