What is the role of sacrifice in religion?

Question

I want to remind people that there is more than one kind of sacrifice, they don't all just involve dead animals or crucified Jews.

Answer 1

That we should give up ourselves for another. . . as in Buddism, giving up things that we have earthly attachments to, that we think we can't live without, in exchange for a higher good.

Answer 2

Depends on the religion. The giving of gifts has always been one of the strongest bonds between humans and the god/esses. Animals were by no means the only offerings. Necklaces of amber too large for humans to wear; golden vessels; fine bronze work; ships and weapons; long braids of hair. Sinking treasures into hallowed waters. Grains, fruits, and flowers might be sacrificed (especially the first fruits of the harvest), alcoholic drink was poured out in libation, hair cut from the forelock. Even a vow could be considered an offering.

Answer 3

Aside from the definition of "sacrifice" where you're actually putting someone or something else offered up on the bier... from a Buddhist perspective I'd say the idea of "sacrifice" is to get you to do the same thing Buddhism does... which is to get you to let go of grasping and attachment to the things you THINK make you happy but really don't. Kinda like that Biblical commentary about storing up treasure here on Earth vs. heaven.

_()_

Answer 4

The role of sacrifice was to show man that only blood can cover sins. This is why God killed the goat in the Garden of Eden when He realized Adam and Eve had brought sin into the world through disobedience to cover the "religious work" they tried to perfect in covering their sin when they sewed the fig leaves together to cover their nakedness. Since God no longer had legal control/entry into the world, He had to find a way for man to be absolved of his sin until Jesus could be perfected as a LEGAL substitutionary conduit through which ALL sin for ALL time could be redeemed. Otherwise, MAN would have to die for his sins under the penalty of the Law as outlined in various OT Scripture. When God gave the coveneant of sacrifice to Adam and Eve, then later made the covenant with Abram that would give Jesus legal entry into the world, it "set the ball rolling" if you will on affording man opportunity for forgiveness as long as sacrifice was heartfelt and freely offered as Christ was freely offered for us.

Answer 5

There was a method of animal sacrifice under Mosaic Law, but that was invalidated by Jesus.

Answer 6

The shedding of blood. Life is in the blood and that life covered sin for a season until Jesus came and His blood (The blood of God) destroyed sin forever.

(Genesis 9:4) But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof.......

(Lev 17:11) For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

Answer 7

religion is Spiritual fraud, so Anything associated with religion is false!
Jesus said: " religion is the Worse invention of humanity."
and "religion is Spiritual fraud."
you can take that to Heaven with you!
God bless you, oh yea of little faith is the Truth!

Answer 8

Fasting, penance, prayer,self sacrificing love

Answer 9

Jesus sacrificed his life for us out of love and he expects us to serve and make sacrifces for others out of love. We are to resemble our maker in this regard.

Answer 10

There's no role for it.
It's up to the person, sacrificing or not, we have the free will.