The Andonites originated ceremonies of sacrifice to worship and atone for sin. [1] Sacrificing innocent blood to win God's favor is a barbarous and puerile belief that offends celestial beings and divine rulers. [2]
The earliest idea of sacrifice was a neutrality assessment levied by ancestral spirits, evolving into atonement for racial sin as man's beliefs changed over time. [3]
Early sacrifices were originally gestures of pain and self-denial, evolving from primitive acts of mutilation into rituals of religious devotion and sanctification. [4] Ancient man found favor with God through sacrifice, but modern man must find new ways to achieve salvation and peace. [5]
Sacrifice evolved to address both sins of commission and omission, with propitiation ceremonies aimed at appeasing vengeful spirits and ensuring divine favor for primitive man. [6]
The concept of sacrifice evolved from neutrality assessments by ancestral spirits to atonement for racial sin, serving as blanket insurance for all forms of resentment and jealousy. [7]
Man believed to purchase prosperity through sacrifices, evolving into a philosophic bargaining with God for enhanced technique in insuring against bad luck. [8] Man conceived sacrifice as a message bearer to the gods, evolving into elaborate sacrificial feasting over time. [9]
The early evolution of religion included gift sacrifice as thanksgiving and debt sacrifice for redemption, evolving later into the concept of substitution. [10]
Nearly four hundred and fifty priests and Levites gathered on the last day of the feast for the morning ceremony, pouring wine and water as part of the drink offering before the sacrifices began. [11] Early religion held gift sacrifice with thanksgiving, debt sacrifice for redemption, and later substitution. [12] Jesus demands loyalty, not sacrifice, as the absence of wholehearted affection negates the joy in loving service. [13]
The progression of religious observances, from primitive cults to complex rituals, culminated in the practice of sacrifice as a means of atonement and redemption. [14]
Positive propitiation through sacrifice transformed ancient practices into modern forms of worship that involve praise, glorification, and entertainment. [15] Sacrifice in religion often replaces true prayer, as people offer material possessions instead of consecrating their own will to God. [16] The value of sacrifice is gauged by the pain endured, from primitive acts of suffering to refined rituals of self-denial and sanctification. [17]
Abel's animal sacrifices prevailed over Cain's offerings of fruits in the second garden. [18]
Adam substituted offerings of fruit for blood in the religious ceremonies, trying to discourage set prayers for individual, soulful worship, but made little progress before the disruption of the Garden. [19] Primitive man initially offered his best animals in sacrifice, viewing them as kin, but later became more discerning in his sacrificial choices. [20] Sacrifice at the Jerusalem temple was overshadowed by the commercialism and irreverence that Jesus witnessed. [21]
Seventy bullocks were sacrificed during the feast, symbolizing the seventy nations of heathendom, as Jesus cleansed the temple of commerce and upheld the sanctity of prayer for all nations. [22] Sacrifice as a part of worship was originated by Andonites and evolved into elaborate ceremonies through the Hebrew and Christian traditions. [23]
Joseph offered two young pigeons for Mary at the temple purification ceremonies, as their small savings dwindled and he was too afraid to seek work, avoiding exorbitant fees and ensuring their sacrifice would be accepted without blemish. [24] Sacrifices of the pastoral life were held in greater esteem than offerings of agriculture, highlighting the historical disdain for farmers. [25] Isaiah opposed sacrificing first-borns; instead, the Lord requires justice, mercy, and humility. [26]
Jesus opposed the commercialization and exploitation of sacrificial offerings in the temple, advocating for a bloodless celebration of Passover and denouncing unfair practices that disadvantaged the poor and unlearned. [27]
Adherents of the Mithraic cult consumed the flesh of sacrificial animals, believing it would grant them eternal life in the presence of their god Mithras. [28] The dog was replaced in human sacrifice by animal substitutes, reducing man-eating among tribes. [29]
Human sacrifice eradicated cannibalism by elevating human flesh from food for chiefs to a sacred offering for superior spirits. [30] Foundation sacrifices were made in olden times to provide a ghost protector for new buildings and to improve the tone of bells. [31]
Moses forbade human sacrifices and substituted ceremonial animal sacrifices to appease the Hebrews' primitive beliefs about bloodshed and appeasement of the Gods. [32] During these spiritually dark ages, Neanderthalers practiced human sacrifice to placate invisible forces. [33]
The Old Testament examples of sacrifice, as seen in the tragic tale of Jephthah and his daughter, highlight the clash between religious customs and advancing civilization. [34]
Men conceived the idea that physical mutilation could substitute for complete human sacrifice, leading to practices like circumcision and ear piercings for women. [35]
The ancient practice of sacrificing first-born sons, once widespread among the Phoenicians, was eventually abandoned, but Abraham's influence on his people endured. [36]
All Andonites, except Badonans, practiced human sacrifice, with the only exception being the descendants of Andon located in the northern Indian highlands. [37]
Efforts to insure fecundity and happiness in marriage led to the association of magical charm and human sacrifice as a regular feature of weddings among the well-to-do. [38] To appease invisible and unknown forces, primitive mankind resorted to sacrificing humans in a fearful attempt to placate these natural elements. [39]
Human sacrifice was virtually universal among primitives, persisting in religious customs of civilizations from the Chinese and Hindus to the Mesopotamians and Greeks, even continuing among certain African and Australian tribes. [40]
Melchizedek substituted the sacrament of bread and wine for the traditional sacrifices of flesh and blood, attempting to reform the religious customs of his people but never fully succeeding. [41]
Jesus' death on the cross was not a sacrifice to ransom man from archdeceivers' clutch or pay a debt to God for ancestral evil-doing. [42] The apostles understood that Jesus did not partake in any sacrificial services, even during Passover. [43]
Jesus persistently sought to liberate his apostles from the concept of sacrifice, patiently employing various illustrations and parables to convey his message. [44] Jesus taught forgiveness without sacrifice and preached that the Father's love for his children is eternal. [45]
See also: UB 89:4-9.