Gifts for the Gods: Pagan and Christian Sacrifices

From the earliest recorded history to the present day, humans have made sacrifices to their gods. Sacrifices have included everything of value from grains of rice to human lives. The author surveys sacrificial practices on all continents across the ages. Some still make human sacrifices.

Despite Judaism’s prohibition of human sacrifices, the Bible represents Jesus, a Jew, as having given Himself daily in behalf of those around Him and ultimately as a sacrifice for the sins of humankind. To the church in Ephesus, the Apostle Paul wrote, “Walk in love as God has loved us and given Himself as an offering and a sacrifice to God. . . .” (Eph. 5:2). To the church in Rome, he added, “I appeal to you . . . brethren, and beg you in full view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and facilities] as a living sacrifice . . . ” (Rom. 12:1 AB). Christianity still requires sacrifices-living sacrifices of our whole selves.