Can we characterize the attonement of Jesus as a carryover from animal sacrifice in Pagan and Hebrew ritual?

Question

As another possible example, as you know the ritual of baptism was a carryover from the ancient Greek custom of suddenly immersing a wannabe disciple's head in water and then whispering "When you want to be my disciple as earnestly as you want air, then you shall be my desciple."
Do rituals and doctrines of Christianity generally come from Pagan and ancient tradition, and can we get more details on this fascinating stuff; or am I just trying to conjur up doubt and suspicion, and does God disapprove of my question?

Answer 1

Sure it is, look at one of the most common phrases used "....washed in the blood of the lamb" You would have to be blind not to see where that reference came from.

Answer 2

"Can we characterize the attonement of Jesus as a carryover from animal sacrifice..."

Yes we can. But the other, Christian, characterisation of "precursor" examples is just as valid. You can't use that datum alone to rule one way or the other.

Similarly with the mamallian body plan, for another example.
Evidence of common ancestry, or evidence of the hand of a common creator? The piece of information fits almost equally well into both frameworks of thought.
It's in the rare data that don't fit both ways, and in the "almosts" that that the room for distinguishing world views can be found.
(For those who use that methodology. If internal experience, conviction, is supreme, even that does not matter)

Answer 3

Not exactly. The sacrifice was a symbolism for Jesus. But it didn't have the same effect.

It was only temporary because you'd have to do it again the next year.

Jesus died once and that was it.

Pagan sacrifices were considered an abomination to jews. (or at least they were suposed to).

Some of our festival have pagan roots. I see nothing wrong with that. That was the way of bringing Christianity and retaining some of the previous cultures rather than forcing them to just be like Jews.

God isn't cowering in fear of your opinion and He's big enough to handle your questions.

Answer 4

Ever since the Garden of Eden we've been making sacrifices as offerings to God for attonement.

But it is not so much a "carry over" as it is a pointer to the ultimate sacrifice in Christ Jesus.

If you want to know more the Bible is your best bet, and No I don't think God dissapproves of your question, I think He's pleased that your showing an interest. God bless you.

Answer 5

God assigned animal sacrifice as a precursor of Jesus' own sacrifice. It wasn't to be a substitute. For more details, consult the Bible and get into a Bible class as quickly as possible. The end is at hand!

Answer 6

Your question show a serious lack of understandimg of Old Testament..

First it wasn't a 'ritual'.
It was God's instruction as a means of dealing with SIN.

Got it? Sin ! Jesus was sent to put away SIN .

Without his sacrifice you are LOST eternally.....
Have you repented of YOUR sin yet?