Why do all formal religions have a blood element in them, either as a sacrifice or as ceremony?

Answer 1

Actually, none of them do. There may be some kind of symbolism, but no real blood.

Answer 2

Such rituals have their origins in ancient times and societies when apparently the polytheistic gods demanded blood sacrifices in order to prevent their visiting plagues and other horrors upon their worshipers. Your question is intriguing. We can assume that the blood elements still reflected in modern religious services (such as Communion's wine) stem from those pagan practices, but that assumption does not explain why blood sacrifices were required by the gods of our distant ancestors. I am imagining that such rituals were related to the finality of death; no greater sacrifice can be commanded nor offered than the life of a creature, or, ultimately (in the eyes of the sacrificers), a human being. They must have believed that their gods would more likely be appeased and to honor their prayers if they surrendered a life. Blood, then, is the source of life, so continues to be symbolic of the living sacrifice surrendered to the gods of the ancients when observed as a rite in religious services still...

Answer 3

When God first created the human race, he commanded that our original ancestors keep his covenant or they would die. When they violated the covenant, God killed an animal in order to cover them, not only so they would be clothed, but so they would recognize that death is required for sin. That was the beginning of animal sacrifices as a covering for sin.

But in reality, all the animal sacrifices did was point out human sin and our guilt which required a death sentence. God intended for the animal sacrifices to prepare the way for the death of the perfect God/man Jesus Christ. He alone could actually take our place as one human dying for another, and as God giving an infinite sacrifice.

All other religions have taken their form of sacrifice throughout history from that the original, however, those sacrifices have twisted the meaning and missed the fact that only a perfect, sinless man could offer the acceptable sacrifice for sin so that the sin could be removed, not just covered temporarily.

Answer 4

because blood is the driving life force. Without it in some form or another every living thing would cease to live. But I'm not sure which "formal religions" you mean, because as far as I know christianity and its branches have spiritual purposes for blood, but many eastern religions as well as most "formal" paganism hardly even mention it. Everything needs a life force, and if a religion uses blood as a symbol it's usually to reference in a symbolic way the "life force" that is their basis of belief. (example: Jesus' bloodshed and he represents the origin of christian life, etc.) If you need anything more feel free to message me. Hope this helps! (=

Answer 5

Probably a reflection of the one true God. The blood is one of the primary life sources. To give it up is to give up your life if you lose too much of it. There is no greater sacrifice that one can make than ones very life. That is why it is so often used within sacrifice.

The Bible teaches that Jesus gave up his life and blood for our sins making him the ultimate sacrifice.

Answer 6

Because it is symbolic (formerly literally) of giving life. So the drinking of wine in christianity is symbolic of christ's sacrifice (blood) and the drinking of it is acceptance of that sacrifice. Likewise with animal or human sacrifice you are giving the gods valuable,irreplacable things, thus proving your "sacrifice".

Answer 7

Each religion like this borrowed or replaced an earlier religion that has a 'blood element' or 'sacrafice' .... I wonder how that got started in the first place....

Answer 8

The life is in the blood.

Answer 9

The life of of the flesh is in the blood.

Answer 10

The Bible says-"Without the shedding of Blood there is no Remission. (of sin) added by some versions.