Why do you think god demands blood sacrifices and burnt offerings? [Spirituality & Religion]
Why does he want the blood splattered on the altar and the fat from around the organs and the large lobe of the liver and kidneys burnt?
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SW-User
From my understanding, when I studied the bible years ago, they did sacrifices before Jesus' time to make amends for their sins. After Jesus sacrifice, other sacrifices were no longer needed since Jesus, a perfect human being, made the ultimate sacrifice for all mankind. That's why when closing a prayer, Christians say, "in Jesus name, amen".
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Silverwings · 61-69, F
@SatanBurger
The Bible is like a small library that contains many books written by many authors. The word "Bible" comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning "books." It took more than 1,100 years for all of these books to be written down, and it was many more years before the list of books now known as the Bible came together in one large book.
The Bible is like a small library that contains many books written by many authors. The word "Bible" comes from the Greek word biblia, meaning "books." It took more than 1,100 years for all of these books to be written down, and it was many more years before the list of books now known as the Bible came together in one large book.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@SatanBurger https://www.everystudent.com/features/bible.html
SatanBurger · 36-40, F
@Silverwings Actually the Bible has a lot of contradictive statements for that reason alone.
PhoenixPhail · M
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@PhoenixPhail Did you actually listen to what that man was saying? It so you lack discernment, but that is to be expected because things of this nature have to be spiritually discerned, and without Christ there is no spiritual discernment.
PhoenixPhail · M
@Silverwings As I've said, you're welcome to have whatever belief you wish. Please let me have mine. This conversation is over.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@PhoenixPhail Good bye!!
Carazaa · F
Because we are sinners, and it symbolized our sins. There has to be a blood sacrifize to[b] all [/b]sin, and the sacrifizes of the Jews were the symbols of Jesus the sacrafized lamb. Jesus died for our sins and was the ultimate blood sacrafize. Jesus is the life sustainer, that we can't live without, like the liver and kidneys you can't live without them.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Pikachu Haven't talked to you?? My my, on the contray, what do you call this dialogue we have been having?
@Silverwings
lol what dialogue? You posted a link (which only repeats the same non-answer of "because") and after that proceeded to personally criticize me and preach.
You and i clearly have different ideas of what constitutes a dialogue.
If you want to actually talk to me about something then do so. Otherwise you hold no interest to me...
lol what dialogue? You posted a link (which only repeats the same non-answer of "because") and after that proceeded to personally criticize me and preach.
You and i clearly have different ideas of what constitutes a dialogue.
If you want to actually talk to me about something then do so. Otherwise you hold no interest to me...
Silverwings · 61-69, F
The penalty for our sins is death (Rom 6:23), both physical and spiritual. In order to have atonement (forgiveness) for our sins, and be saved from "death," God has required that a life must be given, and its blood be shed (Heb 9:22). A living creature must forfeit its life, so that another can live.
This shows the awfulness that is sin, and it also points to the one sacrifice that puts an end to all others, Jesus Christ.
God said in (Lev 17:11) that the life of a living creature is found in its blood. Blood represents life. When a life was taken, and its blood shed as a sacrifice, it represented new life for another. It made atonement for their soul (same verse).
Because of what blood represented, God would not allow anyone to eat the blood of an animal (Lev 17:12). Anyone who ate it was to be cut off from among the people (Lev 17:14).
The Bible tells us, however, that the blood of bulls and goats could not actually take away sins (Heb 10:4). The Old Testament sacrificial system, and the High Priest, was simply a picture that pointed forward to Jesus. Only through the blood of Jesus can we actually have remission of, and redemption from our sins (Mt 26:28)(Col 1:14)(Eph 1:7). His blood cleanses us from ALL sin (1 Jn 1:7). Through the offering of Jesus' body, we are sanctified once for all (Heb 10:10). Those in the Old Testament looked forward to this, and today we look back at it.
This shows the awfulness that is sin, and it also points to the one sacrifice that puts an end to all others, Jesus Christ.
God said in (Lev 17:11) that the life of a living creature is found in its blood. Blood represents life. When a life was taken, and its blood shed as a sacrifice, it represented new life for another. It made atonement for their soul (same verse).
Because of what blood represented, God would not allow anyone to eat the blood of an animal (Lev 17:12). Anyone who ate it was to be cut off from among the people (Lev 17:14).
The Bible tells us, however, that the blood of bulls and goats could not actually take away sins (Heb 10:4). The Old Testament sacrificial system, and the High Priest, was simply a picture that pointed forward to Jesus. Only through the blood of Jesus can we actually have remission of, and redemption from our sins (Mt 26:28)(Col 1:14)(Eph 1:7). His blood cleanses us from ALL sin (1 Jn 1:7). Through the offering of Jesus' body, we are sanctified once for all (Heb 10:10). Those in the Old Testament looked forward to this, and today we look back at it.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Sharon Satanist are the exact opposite of Christians, of course I would object to them teaching my children anything. In fact I would protest if any other religion tried to teach my children anything.
Sharon · F
@Silverwings [quote]Satanist are the exact opposite of Christians,[/quote]
So what? They have the same right as you to share their faith with others. That includes attempting to convert your children to Satanism just as christians attempt to convert other people's children to christianity. To say otherwise is hubris and hypocrisy - something that seems to be common among christians. Why should non-christians tolerate your proselytising when you're so intolerant of others?
So what? They have the same right as you to share their faith with others. That includes attempting to convert your children to Satanism just as christians attempt to convert other people's children to christianity. To say otherwise is hubris and hypocrisy - something that seems to be common among christians. Why should non-christians tolerate your proselytising when you're so intolerant of others?
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@Silverwings Of course not! NO-ONE is attacking your right to believe in your God as you do, and to explain that belief.
What upsets some of us is the way you do it- as if telling us your version of your religion is somehow the only one, somehow "right" or "true" for everyone, and that we must all follow it.
For all you know, unless we have explained our beliefs, we may be just as religious as you but by some other sect or religion entirely.
All that doom-laden, guilt-trip and death-penalty stuff hardly helps you convert us, either!
What upsets some of us is the way you do it- as if telling us your version of your religion is somehow the only one, somehow "right" or "true" for everyone, and that we must all follow it.
For all you know, unless we have explained our beliefs, we may be just as religious as you but by some other sect or religion entirely.
All that doom-laden, guilt-trip and death-penalty stuff hardly helps you convert us, either!
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Pikachu Show my one place where Jesus demanded a blood sacrifice? You cant because he did not.
@Silverwings
[quote] You cant because he did not.[quote][/quote][/quote]
Agreed. I don't recall ever saying he did...
[quote] You cant because he did not.[quote][/quote][/quote]
Agreed. I don't recall ever saying he did...
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@Darci A good point; but we cannot judge societies of 2000 years and more ago, by modern standards.
If we look beyond the Biblical myths and propaganda, the Hebrews did seem to be trying to end the older, blood-thirsty sacrifices and similar practices; and replace those gods - small 'g' - with a new one they called and we call "God" - capital 'G'.
Nevertheless it's a tragic irony that a religion can be invented to rise above such practices and subsequently develop a loving, just and humane god - "God" - that expects matching human behaviour; only to become defended in later ages by mere mortals' hatred, injustice and inhumanity.
If we look beyond the Biblical myths and propaganda, the Hebrews did seem to be trying to end the older, blood-thirsty sacrifices and similar practices; and replace those gods - small 'g' - with a new one they called and we call "God" - capital 'G'.
Nevertheless it's a tragic irony that a religion can be invented to rise above such practices and subsequently develop a loving, just and humane god - "God" - that expects matching human behaviour; only to become defended in later ages by mere mortals' hatred, injustice and inhumanity.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@pride49 Your title says it all, a person has to become humble to accept anything from or of God.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Harriet03 On the contrary Miss, on the contrary!!
SW-User
Sacrifices and burnt offerings are cross-cultural; religions all around the world have versions of these. I think it's a universal human idea that deities need to be placated and satisfied with offerings and sacrifices. Humans have to give something up to get what they want from a higher power.
SW-User
@Silverwings it’s not the Hunger Games lmao
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@SW-User https://minethedepths.com/is-bible-literal-sometimes/
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@SW-User Thank God for that!!
MorbidCynic · F
Which religion are you speaking of? In my religion, blood is given as a gift or offering of respect.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Sharon Example?
Sharon · F
@Silverwings Everytime they assert their beliefs as indisputable proven fact but then fail to present their evidence when challenged.
AceWarbringer · 36-40, M
Ive never had to burn any animal fat (except when I fuck up on the grill.) But there are multiple references to "god smelled the sweetness of the sacrifice"
It could be that when burned the ancient people found the smell pleasing. And sense people often modle their gods after themselves the natural outgrowth was written down.
It could be that when burned the ancient people found the smell pleasing. And sense people often modle their gods after themselves the natural outgrowth was written down.
Carazaa · F
@AceWarbringer God says that he prefers our obedience to sacrificing. An example would be if I don't help a neighbor but go and worship, give to church, and ask God to help me. I think He prefers us to love people instead of sacrificing to him as it is hypocritical if we are not obedient to His word..
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@AceWarbringer the only reason it says he smelled the sweetness of the sacrifice is because obviously the person making it is a believer or he would not be making it to begin with, therefore it is pleasing to God that his creation is in agreement with him and not in opposition, therefore it is very pleasing.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
Many of the ancient religions did want offerings like that, but the deity invented by the Hebrews and which became the "God" of Judaism, Christianity and Islam does not.
It's ages since I read the Bible but as far as I understood it, people like Moses preached against sacrifices and burnt offerings to any god.
Some of this was probably more for theist authority than humanity or even simple logic; but evidently allowed continuing what were perhaps long-established [i]social[/i] norms about certain animals being "unclean", and killing other animals to provide not only celebratory feasts but indeed for food generally. This from simple necessity though, not to appease deities.
It's ages since I read the Bible but as far as I understood it, people like Moses preached against sacrifices and burnt offerings to any god.
Some of this was probably more for theist authority than humanity or even simple logic; but evidently allowed continuing what were perhaps long-established [i]social[/i] norms about certain animals being "unclean", and killing other animals to provide not only celebratory feasts but indeed for food generally. This from simple necessity though, not to appease deities.
ArishMell · 70-79, M
@Pikachu Ah: Thank you!
I must admit it's been a long time since I read the Bible but it struck me that whatever I had been taught over half a century ago didn't go into the Old Testament very deeply.
Looking at it historically I suspect sacrifices like that had been part of the culture long before the development of the "God" we know; and their origins lost in the mists - or desert mirages - of time. Consequently, it would have been relatively easy and understandable for the founders of the Hebrew religion to absorb some of the old ways into the new by giving the rites new meanings.
I think my earlier comments were from recalling structures against false idols and gods - i.e. "I am your leader, I believe in X, therefore shall ye also!"
I must admit it's been a long time since I read the Bible but it struck me that whatever I had been taught over half a century ago didn't go into the Old Testament very deeply.
Looking at it historically I suspect sacrifices like that had been part of the culture long before the development of the "God" we know; and their origins lost in the mists - or desert mirages - of time. Consequently, it would have been relatively easy and understandable for the founders of the Hebrew religion to absorb some of the old ways into the new by giving the rites new meanings.
I think my earlier comments were from recalling structures against false idols and gods - i.e. "I am your leader, I believe in X, therefore shall ye also!"
@ArishMell
You're most welcome. Yeah your average church tends to go light on the OT. They like the garden of eden, moses and the commandments but they tend to leave a lot of other stuff out in my experience.
I'd agree with your interpretation for the origin of such sacrifices. This makes more sense to me than an all powerful being requiring that we kill animals and burn them for him.
You're most welcome. Yeah your average church tends to go light on the OT. They like the garden of eden, moses and the commandments but they tend to leave a lot of other stuff out in my experience.
I'd agree with your interpretation for the origin of such sacrifices. This makes more sense to me than an all powerful being requiring that we kill animals and burn them for him.
NeloAngelo · 26-30, M
DudeistPriest · M
To provide temporary covering of sins and to foreshadow the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, if you believe in that sort of thing.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Valerian But he does, in the Old Testament he required a blood sacrifice of an animal, and in the new he requires that we receive the sacrifice that his Son made once and for all.
Silverwings · 61-69, F
@Valerian My life is far from stupid, it is quiet interesting actually!!
JBird · F
Because God is hungry
Carazaa · F
@Pikachu @Pherick @ArishMell [PhoenixPhail]
[quote]"Hey real talk for a minute"[/quote]
I am trying real hard to love you guys. Because that is what God requires. It is fun to debate, and I do really enjoy it! If you are scoffing at blood sacrifizes and having a great time that is your business. You guys have a right to talk about anything you want to talk about. I am impressed that you are reading the Bible Pika, And asking questions is great. Making fun of the Bible is a little different than just asking serious questions, however. You can try to debate if God is loving or not, but just realize that one day you might regret it if we are right and you are wrong about God, just saying! I sincerely care about you! 🌻💖🌻
[quote]"Hey real talk for a minute"[/quote]
I am trying real hard to love you guys. Because that is what God requires. It is fun to debate, and I do really enjoy it! If you are scoffing at blood sacrifizes and having a great time that is your business. You guys have a right to talk about anything you want to talk about. I am impressed that you are reading the Bible Pika, And asking questions is great. Making fun of the Bible is a little different than just asking serious questions, however. You can try to debate if God is loving or not, but just realize that one day you might regret it if we are right and you are wrong about God, just saying! I sincerely care about you! 🌻💖🌻
@Carazaa
I'm not scoffing. I'm wondering why taking life is so necessary to god.
And yeah, it's funny that god finds the aroma of burnt meat pleasing. It's FUNNY that he says don't build an altar with steps in case someone peeks under your robe.
It's possible to find something funny without being mocking.
I'm not scoffing. I'm wondering why taking life is so necessary to god.
And yeah, it's funny that god finds the aroma of burnt meat pleasing. It's FUNNY that he says don't build an altar with steps in case someone peeks under your robe.
It's possible to find something funny without being mocking.
Carazaa · F
@Pikachu OK! Glad to hear it. Silver gave a great explanation. God makes the rules and we should pay attention and try to be respectful to him and the Bible, His word, so it will go well for us.
He wants to commune with us. The worship, sacrifices, and prayers are all a pleasing aroma to him because it makes us closer to him. He created us for His pleasure to have a relationship with Him. We have severed that when we sinned and the consequence for us is death. Jesus became the sacrifice so we don't have to sacrifice, or die. We don't need to know why.
I know he loves us so I trust God completely. So did Abraham, and Moses and all the great men and women of the Bible. God saved them. The sacrifices in the Old testament were all leading up to Jesus, God becoming flesh, the ultimate sacrificed lamb to do away with all the sacrifices forever when he died for me and you. He was tortured when he had done no wrong at all. He took our shame on his shoulders. The only thanks he wants is for us to give our lives back to Him.
Love is measured with what we sacrifice for it. God expects us to sacrifice our lives to Him. I sacrifice my entire life to God gladly because of what he has done for me. He is amazing.
He wants to commune with us. The worship, sacrifices, and prayers are all a pleasing aroma to him because it makes us closer to him. He created us for His pleasure to have a relationship with Him. We have severed that when we sinned and the consequence for us is death. Jesus became the sacrifice so we don't have to sacrifice, or die. We don't need to know why.
I know he loves us so I trust God completely. So did Abraham, and Moses and all the great men and women of the Bible. God saved them. The sacrifices in the Old testament were all leading up to Jesus, God becoming flesh, the ultimate sacrificed lamb to do away with all the sacrifices forever when he died for me and you. He was tortured when he had done no wrong at all. He took our shame on his shoulders. The only thanks he wants is for us to give our lives back to Him.
Love is measured with what we sacrifice for it. God expects us to sacrifice our lives to Him. I sacrifice my entire life to God gladly because of what he has done for me. He is amazing.
Those were ancient beliefs. Unless 'god' itself came to you and told you this was its wishes/demands but it certainly never said that to me. Good luck with the human sacrifice pikachu, hopefully its not a trick and your not gonna burn in hell for eternity 🤷♀️
@MushroomFaerie
Well i don't imagine god has said much to most people. But this post is a question about why god might desire such things. That's all
Well i don't imagine god has said much to most people. But this post is a question about why god might desire such things. That's all
@Pikachu it was kind of a joke, people havnt believed in live sacrifice for thousands of years. Sure theres the odd loon, Might be still some 3rd world countries practicing such but generally not a thing anymore. Personality I don't believe omnipotence would be full of wrath & ignorance but each to their own
BeefySenpie · M
That was all OT
Silverwings · 61-69, F
Glad to oblige!