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==PAPER 89: SIN, SACRIFICE, AND ATONEMENT==

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89:0.1 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] regarded himself as being in [[debt]] to the spirits, as standing in need of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation#Redemption redemption]. As the [[savages]] looked at it, in [[justice]] the spirits might have visited much more bad [[luck]] upon them. As time passed, this [[concept]] [[developed]] into the [[doctrine]] of [[sin]] and [[salvation]]. The [[soul]] was looked upon as coming into the world under forfeit—[~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Work#In_alchemy original sin]. The [[soul]] must be ransomed; a [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoat scapegoat] must be provided. The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head Hunter head-hunter], in addition to practicing the [[cult]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skull skull] [[worship]], was able to provide a substitute for his own life, a scapeman.

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89:0.1 [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] regarded himself as being in [[debt]] to the spirits, as standing in need of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation#Redemption redemption]. As the [[savages]] looked at it, in [[justice]] the spirits might have visited much more bad [[luck]] upon them. As time passed, this [[concept]] [[developed]] into the [[doctrine]] of [[sin]] and [[salvation]]. The [[soul]] was looked upon as coming into the world under forfeit—[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Work#In_alchemy original sin]. The [[soul]] must be ransomed; a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scapegoat scapegoat] must be provided. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head Hunter head-hunter], in addition to practicing the [[cult]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skull skull] [[worship]], was able to provide a substitute for his own life, a scapeman.

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89:0.2 The [[savage]] was early possessed with the notion that spirits derive supreme [[satisfaction]] from the sight of [[human]] misery, [[suffering]], and [[humiliation]]. At first, man was only concerned with sins of commission, but later he became exercised over sins of omission. And the whole subsequent [[sacrificial]] [[system]] grew up around these two [[ideas]]. This new [[ritual]] had to do with the [[observance]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] [[ceremonies]] of [[sacrifice]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] believed that something special must be done to win the [[favor]] of the gods; only advanced [[civilization]] recognizes a consistently even-tempered and [[benevolent]] [[God]]. Propitiation was insurance against [[immediate]] ill [[luck]] rather than investment in [[future]] [[bliss]]. And the [[rituals]] of avoidance, [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcism exorcism], [[coercion]], and propitiation all merge into one another.

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89:0.2 The [[savage]] was early possessed with the notion that spirits derive supreme [[satisfaction]] from the sight of [[human]] misery, [[suffering]], and [[humiliation]]. At first, man was only concerned with sins of commission, but later he became exercised over sins of omission. And the whole subsequent [[sacrificial]] [[system]] grew up around these two [[ideas]]. This new [[ritual]] had to do with the [[observance]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] [[ceremonies]] of [[sacrifice]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] believed that something special must be done to win the [[favor]] of the gods; only advanced [[civilization]] recognizes a consistently even-tempered and [[benevolent]] [[God]]. Propitiation was insurance against [[immediate]] ill [[luck]] rather than investment in [[future]] [[bliss]]. And the [[rituals]] of avoidance, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcism exorcism], [[coercion]], and propitiation all merge into one another.

==89:1. THE TABOO==

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89:1.4 The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_66#66:7._LIFE_IN_DALAMATIA seven commandments of Dalamatia] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_74#74:7._LIFE_IN_THE_GARDEN Eden], as well as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.34 ten injunctions of the Hebrews], were definite [[taboos]], all [[expressed]] in the same [[negative]] form as were the most [[ancient]] prohibitions. But these newer codes were truly emancipating in that they took the place of thousands of pre-existent [[taboos]]. And more than this, these later commandments definitely promised something in return for [[obedience]].

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89:1.5 The early [[food]] [[taboos]] originated in [[fetishism]] and [[totemism]]. The swine was [[sacred]] to the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], the cow to the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu Hindus]. The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptian] taboo on pork has been perpetuated by the [[Hebraic]] and [[Islamic]] faiths. A variant of the food taboo was the belief that a [[pregnant]] [[woman]] could think so much about a certain [[food]] that the child, when born, would be the [[echo]] of that food. Such viands would be taboo to the child.

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89:1.5 The early [[food]] [[taboos]] originated in [[fetishism]] and [[totemism]]. The swine was [[sacred]] to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], the cow to the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu Hindus]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptian] taboo on pork has been perpetuated by the [[Hebraic]] and [[Islamic]] faiths. A variant of the food taboo was the belief that a [[pregnant]] [[woman]] could think so much about a certain [[food]] that the child, when born, would be the [[echo]] of that food. Such viands would be taboo to the child.

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89:1.6 [[Methods]] of eating soon became taboo, and so originated [[ancient]] and [[modern]] table [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette etiquette]. [[Caste]] systems and [[social]] levels are vestigial remnants of olden prohibitions. The [[taboos]] were highly effective in [[organizing]] [[society]], but they were terribly burdensome; the negative-ban system not only maintained useful and constructive regulations but also obsolete, outworn, and useless taboos.

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89:1.6 [[Methods]] of eating soon became taboo, and so originated [[ancient]] and [[modern]] table [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etiquette etiquette]. [[Caste]] systems and [[social]] levels are vestigial remnants of olden prohibitions. The [[taboos]] were highly effective in [[organizing]] [[society]], but they were terribly burdensome; the negative-ban system not only maintained useful and constructive regulations but also obsolete, outworn, and useless taboos.

89:1.7 There would, however, be no [[civilized]] [[society]] to sit in [[criticism]] upon [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] except for these far-flung and multifarious [[taboos]], and the taboo would never have endured but for the upholding [[sanctions]] of primitive [[religion]]. Many of the [[essential]] factors in man's [[evolution]] have been highly expensive, have cost vast treasure in [[effort]], [[sacrifice]], and self-denial, but these achievements of [[self-control]] were the real rungs on which man climbed civilization's [[ascending]] ladder.

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89:2.2 As the [[savage]] [[mind]] evolved to that point where it envisaged both good and bad spirits, and when the [[taboo]] received the [[solemn]] [[sanction]] of evolving [[religion]], the stage was all set for the [[appearance]] of the new conception of [[sin]]. The [[idea]] of [[sin]] was [[universally]] [[established]] in the world before [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:4._THE_GIFT_OF_REVELATION revealed religion] ever made its entry. It was only by the [[concept]] of [[sin]] that natural [[death]] became [[logical]] to the primitive mind. [[Sin]] was the transgression of [[taboo]], and [[death]] was the penalty of [[sin]].

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89:2.3 [[Sin]] was [[ritual]], not [[rational]]; an [[act]], not a [[thought]]. And this entire [[concept]] of sin was fostered by the lingering [[traditions]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:3._THE_TOWER_OF_BABEL Dilmun] and the days of a little [[paradise]] on [[earth]]. The [[tradition]] of [[Adam]] and the [[Garden of Eden]] also lent substance to the [[dream]] of a onetime "[~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_age golden age]" of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_68 dawn of the races]. And all this confirmed the [[ideas]] later [[expressed]] in the [[belief]] that man had his [[origin]] in a special [[creation]], that he started his [[career]] in [[perfection]], and that transgression of the [[taboos]]—[[sin]]—brought him down to his later sorry plight.

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89:2.3 [[Sin]] was [[ritual]], not [[rational]]; an [[act]], not a [[thought]]. And this entire [[concept]] of sin was fostered by the lingering [[traditions]] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_77#77:3._THE_TOWER_OF_BABEL Dilmun] and the days of a little [[paradise]] on [[earth]]. The [[tradition]] of [[Adam]] and the [[Garden of Eden]] also lent substance to the [[dream]] of a onetime "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_age golden age]" of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_68 dawn of the races]. And all this confirmed the [[ideas]] later [[expressed]] in the [[belief]] that man had his [[origin]] in a special [[creation]], that he started his [[career]] in [[perfection]], and that transgression of the [[taboos]]—[[sin]]—brought him down to his later sorry plight.

89:2.4 The habitual violation of a [[taboo]] became a [[vice]]; primitive [[law]] made [[vice]] a [[crime]]; [[religion]] made it a [[sin]]. Among the early [[tribes]] the violation of a [[taboo]] was a combined [[crime]] and [[sin]]. [[Community]] [[calamity]] was always regarded as punishment for [[tribal]] [[sin]]. To those who believed that [[prosperity]] and [[righteousness]] went together, the apparent [[prosperity]] of the wicked occasioned so much worry that it was [[necessary]] to [[invent]] hells for the punishment of taboo violators; the numbers of these places of [[future]] punishment have varied from one to five.

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89:3.1 [[Renunciation]] came as the next step in [[religious]] [[evolution]]; [[fasting]] was a common [[practice]]. Soon it became the [[custom]] to forego many forms of [[physical]] [[pleasure]], especially of a [[sexual]] [[nature]]. The [[ritual]] of the fast was deeply rooted in many [[ancient]] [[religions]] and has been handed down to [[practically]] all [[modern]] [[theologic]] [[systems]] of [[thought]].

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89:3.2 Just about the time [[barbarian]] man was recovering from the wasteful [[practice]] of burning and burying [[property]] with the [[dead]], just as the [[economic]] [[structure]] of the races was beginning to take shape, this new [[religious]] [[doctrine]] of [[renunciation]] appeared, and tens of thousands of earnest [[souls]] began to court [[poverty]]. [[Property]] was regarded as a [[spiritual]] [[handicap]]. These notions of the [[spiritual]] [dangers] of [[material]] possession were widespreadly entertained in the times of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] and [[Paul]], and they have markedly [[influenced]] [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_philosophy European philosophy] ever since.

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89:3.2 Just about the time [[barbarian]] man was recovering from the wasteful [[practice]] of burning and burying [[property]] with the [[dead]], just as the [[economic]] [[structure]] of the races was beginning to take shape, this new [[religious]] [[doctrine]] of [[renunciation]] appeared, and tens of thousands of earnest [[souls]] began to court [[poverty]]. [[Property]] was regarded as a [[spiritual]] [[handicap]]. These notions of the [[spiritual]] [dangers] of [[material]] possession were widespreadly entertained in the times of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philo Philo] and [[Paul]], and they have markedly [[influenced]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_philosophy European philosophy] ever since.

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89:3.3 [[Poverty]] was just a part of the [[ritual]] of the mortification of the flesh which, unfortunately, became incorporated into the [[writings]] and teachings of many religions, notably [[Christianity]]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penance Penance] is the [[negative]] form of this ofttimes foolish [[ritual]] of [[renunciation]]. But all this taught the savage [[self-control]], and that was a worth-while advancement in [[social]] [[evolution]]. Self-denial and [[self-control]] were two of the greatest [[social]] gains from early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion]. Self-control gave man a new [[philosophy]] of life; it taught him the art of augmenting life's [[fraction]] by lowering the denominator of [[personal]] demands instead of always attempting to increase the numerator of selfish [[gratification]].

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89:3.3 [[Poverty]] was just a part of the [[ritual]] of the mortification of the flesh which, unfortunately, became incorporated into the [[writings]] and teachings of many religions, notably [[Christianity]]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penance Penance] is the [[negative]] form of this ofttimes foolish [[ritual]] of [[renunciation]]. But all this taught the savage [[self-control]], and that was a worth-while advancement in [[social]] [[evolution]]. Self-denial and [[self-control]] were two of the greatest [[social]] gains from early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_92#92:3._THE_NATURE_OF_EVOLUTIONARY_RELIGION evolutionary religion]. Self-control gave man a new [[philosophy]] of life; it taught him the art of augmenting life's [[fraction]] by lowering the denominator of [[personal]] demands instead of always attempting to increase the numerator of selfish [[gratification]].

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89:3.4 These olden [[ideas]] of self-[[discipline]] embraced flogging and all sorts of [[physical]] [[torture]]. The [[priests]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mother_Goddess mother cult] were especially active in teaching the [[virtue]] of [[physical]] [[suffering]], setting the example by submitting themselves to castration. The [[Hebrews]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu Hindus], and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhists] were earnest devotees of this [[doctrine]] of physical [[humiliation]].

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89:3.4 These olden [[ideas]] of self-[[discipline]] embraced flogging and all sorts of [[physical]] [[torture]]. The [[priests]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Mother_Goddess mother cult] were especially active in teaching the [[virtue]] of [[physical]] [[suffering]], setting the example by submitting themselves to castration. The [[Hebrews]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu Hindus], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism Buddhists] were earnest devotees of this [[doctrine]] of physical [[humiliation]].

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89:3.5 All through the olden times men sought in these ways for extra credits on the self-denial ledgers of their gods. It was once customary, when under some [[emotional]] [[stress]], to make vows of self-denial and self-[[torture]]. In time these [[vows]] assumed the form of [[contracts]] with the gods and, in that sense, represented true [[evolutionary]] [[progress]] in that the gods were supposed to do something definite in return for this [[self]]-[[torture]] and mortification of the flesh. Vows were both negative and positive. Pledges of this harmful and extreme nature are best observed today among [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fakir certain groups in India].

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89:3.5 All through the olden times men sought in these ways for extra credits on the self-denial ledgers of their gods. It was once customary, when under some [[emotional]] [[stress]], to make vows of self-denial and self-[[torture]]. In time these [[vows]] assumed the form of [[contracts]] with the gods and, in that sense, represented true [[evolutionary]] [[progress]] in that the gods were supposed to do something definite in return for this [[self]]-[[torture]] and mortification of the flesh. Vows were both negative and positive. Pledges of this harmful and extreme nature are best observed today among [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fakir certain groups in India].

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89:3.6 It was only [[natural]] that the [[cult]] of [[renunciation]] and [[humiliation]] should have paid [[attention]] to [[sexual]] [[gratification]]. The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abstinence continence cult] originated as a [[ritual]] among soldiers prior to engaging in battle; in later days it became the practice of "saints." This [[cult]] tolerated [[marriage]] only as an [[evil]] lesser than [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fornication fornication]. Many of the world's great [[religions]] have been adversely [[influenced]] by this ancient [[cult]], but none more markedly than [[Christianity]]. The [[Apostle Paul]] was a devotee of this cult, and his [[personal]] views are [[reflected]] in the teachings which he fastened onto [[Christian]] [[theology]]: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." "I would that all men were even as I myself."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] "I say, therefore, to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them to abide even as I."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] Paul well knew that such teachings were not a part of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]], and his acknowledgment of this is [[illustrated]] by his [[statement]], "I speak this by permission and not by commandment."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] But this [[cult]] led [[Paul]] to look down upon [[women]]. And the [[pity]] of it all is that his [[personal]] [[opinions]] have long [[influenced]] the teachings of a great world [[religion]]. If the advice of the tentmaker-teacher were to be [[literally]] and [[universally]] [[obeyed]], then would the human [[race]] come to a sudden and inglorious end. Furthermore, the involvement of a [[religion]] with the [[ancient]] [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abstinence continence cult] leads directly to a [[war]] against [[marriage]] and the [[home]], [[society]]'s veritable [[foundation]] and the basic [[institution]] of human [[progress]]. And it is not to be wondered at that all such [[beliefs]] fostered the formation of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celibacy celibate] [[priesthoods]] in the many [[religions]] of various peoples.

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89:3.6 It was only [[natural]] that the [[cult]] of [[renunciation]] and [[humiliation]] should have paid [[attention]] to [[sexual]] [[gratification]]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abstinence continence cult] originated as a [[ritual]] among soldiers prior to engaging in battle; in later days it became the practice of "saints." This [[cult]] tolerated [[marriage]] only as an [[evil]] lesser than [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fornication fornication]. Many of the world's great [[religions]] have been adversely [[influenced]] by this ancient [[cult]], but none more markedly than [[Christianity]]. The [[Apostle Paul]] was a devotee of this cult, and his [[personal]] views are [[reflected]] in the teachings which he fastened onto [[Christian]] [[theology]]: "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." "I would that all men were even as I myself."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] "I say, therefore, to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them to abide even as I."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] Paul well knew that such teachings were not a part of [[Jesus]]' [[gospel]], and his acknowledgment of this is [[illustrated]] by his [[statement]], "I speak this by permission and not by commandment."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians#1st_Letter_of_Paul_to_the_Corinthians.2C_VII] But this [[cult]] led [[Paul]] to look down upon [[women]]. And the [[pity]] of it all is that his [[personal]] [[opinions]] have long [[influenced]] the teachings of a great world [[religion]]. If the advice of the tentmaker-teacher were to be [[literally]] and [[universally]] [[obeyed]], then would the human [[race]] come to a sudden and inglorious end. Furthermore, the involvement of a [[religion]] with the [[ancient]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_abstinence continence cult] leads directly to a [[war]] against [[marriage]] and the [[home]], [[society]]'s veritable [[foundation]] and the basic [[institution]] of human [[progress]]. And it is not to be wondered at that all such [[beliefs]] fostered the formation of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celibacy celibate] [[priesthoods]] in the many [[religions]] of various peoples.

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89:3.7 Someday man should learn how to [[enjoy]] [[liberty]] without [[license]], nourishment without gluttony, and [[pleasure]] without [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debauchery debauchery]. [[Self-control]] is a better human [[policy]] of [[behavior]] regulation than is extreme self-denial. Nor did [[Jesus]] ever teach these unreasonable views to his followers.

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89:3.7 Someday man should learn how to [[enjoy]] [[liberty]] without [[license]], nourishment without gluttony, and [[pleasure]] without [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debauchery debauchery]. [[Self-control]] is a better human [[policy]] of [[behavior]] regulation than is extreme self-denial. Nor did [[Jesus]] ever teach these unreasonable views to his followers.

==89:4. ORIGINS OF SACRIFICE==

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89:4.1 [[Sacrifice]] as a part of [[religious]] [[devotions]], like many other [[worshipful]] [[rituals]], did not have a [[simple]] and single [[origin]]. The tendency to bow down before [[power]] and to [[prostrate]] oneself in [[worshipful]] [[adoration]] in the [[presence]] of [[mystery]] is [[foreshadowed]] in the fawning of the dog before its master. It is but one step from the impulse of [[worship]] to the [[act]] of [[sacrifice]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] gauged the [[value]] of his [[sacrifice]] by the [[pain]] which he suffered. When the [[idea]] of [[sacrifice]] first attached itself to religious [[ceremonial]], no offering was [[contemplated]] which was not productive of [[pain]]. The first sacrifices were such acts as plucking hair, cutting the flesh, mutilations, knocking out teeth, and cutting off fingers. As [[civilization]] advanced, these crude [[concepts]] of [[sacrifice]] were elevated to the level of the [[rituals]] of self-abnegation, [[asceticism]], [[fasting]], deprivation, and the later [[Christian]] [[doctrine]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctification sanctification] through [[sorrow]], [[suffering]], and the mortification of the flesh.

+

89:4.1 [[Sacrifice]] as a part of [[religious]] [[devotions]], like many other [[worshipful]] [[rituals]], did not have a [[simple]] and single [[origin]]. The tendency to bow down before [[power]] and to [[prostrate]] oneself in [[worshipful]] [[adoration]] in the [[presence]] of [[mystery]] is [[foreshadowed]] in the fawning of the dog before its master. It is but one step from the impulse of [[worship]] to the [[act]] of [[sacrifice]]. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN Primitive man] gauged the [[value]] of his [[sacrifice]] by the [[pain]] which he suffered. When the [[idea]] of [[sacrifice]] first attached itself to religious [[ceremonial]], no offering was [[contemplated]] which was not productive of [[pain]]. The first sacrifices were such acts as plucking hair, cutting the flesh, mutilations, knocking out teeth, and cutting off fingers. As [[civilization]] advanced, these crude [[concepts]] of [[sacrifice]] were elevated to the level of the [[rituals]] of self-abnegation, [[asceticism]], [[fasting]], deprivation, and the later [[Christian]] [[doctrine]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctification sanctification] through [[sorrow]], [[suffering]], and the mortification of the flesh.

−

89:4.2 Early in the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] there existed two conceptions of the [[sacrifice]]: the [[idea]] of the gift [[sacrifice]], which connoted the [[attitude]] of [[thanksgiving]], and the [[debt]] sacrifice, which [[embraced]] the idea of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation#Redemption redemption]. Later there [[developed]] the notion of substitution.

+

89:4.2 Early in the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] there existed two conceptions of the [[sacrifice]]: the [[idea]] of the gift [[sacrifice]], which connoted the [[attitude]] of [[thanksgiving]], and the [[debt]] sacrifice, which [[embraced]] the idea of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation#Redemption redemption]. Later there [[developed]] the notion of substitution.

89:4.3 Man still later conceived that his [[sacrifice]] of whatever [[nature]] might [[function]] as a [[message]] bearer to the gods; it might be as a sweet savor in the nostrils of [[deity]]. This brought [[incense]] and other [[aesthetic]] features of sacrificial [[rituals]] which developed into sacrificial feasting, in time becoming increasingly elaborate and ornate.

−

89:4.4 As [[religion]] evolved, the sacrificial [[rites]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conciliation conciliation] and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] replaced the older [[methods]] of avoidance, placation, and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcism exorcism].

+

89:4.4 As [[religion]] evolved, the sacrificial [[rites]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conciliation conciliation] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] replaced the older [[methods]] of avoidance, placation, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exorcism exorcism].

−

89:4.5 The earliest [[idea]] of the [[sacrifice]] was that of a neutrality assessment levied by [[ancestral]] spirits; only later did the idea of [[atonement]] develop. As man got away from the notion of the [[evolutionary]] [[origin]] of the [[race]], as the [[traditions]] of the days of the [[Planetary Prince]] and the [[sojourn]] of [[Adam]] filtered down through time, the [[concept]] of [[sin]] and of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin] became widespread, so that [[sacrifice]] for [[accidental]] and [[personal]] sin evolved into the [[doctrine]] of [[sacrifice]] for the [[atonement]] of racial sin. The [[atonement]] of the sacrifice was a blanket insurance device which covered even the resentment and [[jealousy]] of an [[unknown]] god.

+

89:4.5 The earliest [[idea]] of the [[sacrifice]] was that of a neutrality assessment levied by [[ancestral]] spirits; only later did the idea of [[atonement]] develop. As man got away from the notion of the [[evolutionary]] [[origin]] of the [[race]], as the [[traditions]] of the days of the [[Planetary Prince]] and the [[sojourn]] of [[Adam]] filtered down through time, the [[concept]] of [[sin]] and of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin] became widespread, so that [[sacrifice]] for [[accidental]] and [[personal]] sin evolved into the [[doctrine]] of [[sacrifice]] for the [[atonement]] of racial sin. The [[atonement]] of the sacrifice was a blanket insurance device which covered even the resentment and [[jealousy]] of an [[unknown]] god.

−

89:4.6 Surrounded by so many [[sensitive]] spirits and grasping gods, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] was face to face with such a host of creditor [[deities]] that it required all the [[priests]], [[ritual]], and [[sacrifices]] throughout an entire lifetime to get him out of [[spiritual]] [[debt]]. The [[doctrine]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin], or racial [[guilt]], started every person out in serious [[debt]] to the spirit [[powers]].

+

89:4.6 Surrounded by so many [[sensitive]] spirits and grasping gods, [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] was face to face with such a host of creditor [[deities]] that it required all the [[priests]], [[ritual]], and [[sacrifices]] throughout an entire lifetime to get him out of [[spiritual]] [[debt]]. The [[doctrine]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin original sin], or racial [[guilt]], started every person out in serious [[debt]] to the spirit [[powers]].

−

89:4.7 Gifts and bribes are given to [[men]]; but when tendered to the [[gods]], they are described as being [[dedicated]], made [[sacred]], or are called [[sacrifices]]. [[Renunciation]] was the [[negative]] form of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation]; [[sacrifice]] became the positive form. The [[act]] of propitiation included [[praise]], [[glorification]], flattery, and even [[entertainment]]. And it is the remnants of these positive [[practices]] of the olden [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] [[cult]] that constitute the [[modern]] [[forms]] of [[divine]] [[worship]]. Present-day forms of [[worship]] are simply the [[ritualization]] of these [[ancient]] [[sacrificial]] [[techniques]] of positive [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation].

+

89:4.7 Gifts and bribes are given to [[men]]; but when tendered to the [[gods]], they are described as being [[dedicated]], made [[sacred]], or are called [[sacrifices]]. [[Renunciation]] was the [[negative]] form of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation]; [[sacrifice]] became the positive form. The [[act]] of propitiation included [[praise]], [[glorification]], flattery, and even [[entertainment]]. And it is the remnants of these positive [[practices]] of the olden [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation] [[cult]] that constitute the [[modern]] [[forms]] of [[divine]] [[worship]]. Present-day forms of [[worship]] are simply the [[ritualization]] of these [[ancient]] [[sacrificial]] [[techniques]] of positive [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propitiation propitiation].

89:4.8 [[Animal]] [[sacrifice]] meant much more to [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_52#52:1._PRIMITIVE_MAN primitive man] than it could ever mean to [[modern]] races. These [[barbarians]] regarded the animals as their [[actual]] and near [[kin]]. As time passed, man became shrewd in his [[sacrificing]], ceasing to offer up his [[work]] animals. At first he sacrificed the best of [[everything]], including his [[domesticated]] animals.

−

89:4.9 It was no empty boast that a certain [~~http~~://www.archaeowiki.org/Rulers_of_Egypt Egyptian ruler] made when he stated that he had [[sacrificed]]: 113,433 slaves, 493,386 head of cattle, 88 boats, 2,756 golden images, 331,702 jars of honey and oil, 228,380 jars of wine, 680,714 geese, 6,744,428 loaves of bread, and 5,740,352 sacks of coin. And in order to do this he must needs have sorely [[taxed]] his toiling subjects.

+

89:4.9 It was no empty boast that a certain [https://www.archaeowiki.org/Rulers_of_Egypt Egyptian ruler] made when he stated that he had [[sacrificed]]: 113,433 slaves, 493,386 head of cattle, 88 boats, 2,756 golden images, 331,702 jars of honey and oil, 228,380 jars of wine, 680,714 geese, 6,744,428 loaves of bread, and 5,740,352 sacks of coin. And in order to do this he must needs have sorely [[taxed]] his toiling subjects.

89:4.10 Sheer [[necessity]] [[eventually]] drove these semisavages to eat the [[material]] part of their [[sacrifices]], the gods having enjoyed the [[soul]] thereof. And this [[custom]] found justification under the pretense of the [[ancient]] [[sacred]] meal, a [[communion]] service according to [[modern]] usage.

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==89:5. SACRIFICES AND CANNIBALISM==

−

89:5.1 [[Modern]] [[ideas]] of early [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] are entirely wrong; it was a part of the [[mores]] of early [[society]]. While [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] is traditionally horrible to [[modern]] [[civilization]], it was a part of the [[social]] and [[religious]] [[structure]] of [[primitive]] [[society]]. Group interests dictated the [[practice]] of cannibalism. It grew up through the urge of [[necessity]] and [[persisted]] because of the [[slavery]] of [[superstition]] and [[ignorance]]. It was a [[social]], [[economic]], [[religious]], and [[military]] [[custom]].

+

89:5.1 [[Modern]] [[ideas]] of early [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] are entirely wrong; it was a part of the [[mores]] of early [[society]]. While [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] is traditionally horrible to [[modern]] [[civilization]], it was a part of the [[social]] and [[religious]] [[structure]] of [[primitive]] [[society]]. Group interests dictated the [[practice]] of cannibalism. It grew up through the urge of [[necessity]] and [[persisted]] because of the [[slavery]] of [[superstition]] and [[ignorance]]. It was a [[social]], [[economic]], [[religious]], and [[military]] [[custom]].

−

89:5.2 Early man was a [[~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibal]; he enjoyed [[human]] [[flesh]], and therefore he offered it as a [[food]] gift to the spirits and his primitive [[gods]]. Since [[ghost]] spirits were merely [[modified]] men, and since [[food]] was man's greatest need, then food must likewise be a spirit's greatest need.

+

89:5.2 Early man was a [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibal]; he enjoyed [[human]] [[flesh]], and therefore he offered it as a [[food]] gift to the spirits and his primitive [[gods]]. Since [[ghost]] spirits were merely [[modified]] men, and since [[food]] was man's greatest need, then food must likewise be a spirit's greatest need.

−

89:5.3 [[~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism Cannibalism] was once well-nigh [[universal]] among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolving races]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:6._THE_SIX_SANGIK_RACES_OF_URANTIA Sangiks] were all cannibalistic, but originally the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites] were not, nor were the [[Nodites]] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamites]; neither were the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] until after they had become grossly [[Amalgamation|admixed]] with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary races].

+

89:5.3 [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism Cannibalism] was once well-nigh [[universal]] among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolving races]. The [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64#64:6._THE_SIX_SANGIK_RACES_OF_URANTIA Sangiks] were all cannibalistic, but originally the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites] were not, nor were the [[Nodites]] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamites]; neither were the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:4._THE_ANDITES Andites] until after they had become grossly [[Amalgamation|admixed]] with the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary races].

−

89:5.4 The [[taste]] for human flesh grows. Having been started through [[hunger]], [[friendship]], revenge, or [[religious]] [[ritual]], the eating of human flesh goes on to habitual [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism]. Man-eating has arisen through [[food]] [[scarcity]], though this has seldom been the underlying reason. The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimos Eskimos] and early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites], however, seldom were cannibalistic except in times of [[famine]]. The red men, especially in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization#Religion Central America], were cannibals. It was once a general [[practice]] for primitive [[mothers]] to kill and eat their own [[children]] in order to renew the [[strength]] lost in childbearing, and in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland Queensland] the first child is still frequently thus killed and devoured. In recent times [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] has been deliberately resorted to by many African tribes as a [[war]] measure, a sort of frightfulness with which to [[terrorize]] their [[neighbors]].

+

89:5.4 The [[taste]] for human flesh grows. Having been started through [[hunger]], [[friendship]], revenge, or [[religious]] [[ritual]], the eating of human flesh goes on to habitual [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism]. Man-eating has arisen through [[food]] [[scarcity]], though this has seldom been the underlying reason. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eskimos Eskimos] and early [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites], however, seldom were cannibalistic except in times of [[famine]]. The red men, especially in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_civilization#Religion Central America], were cannibals. It was once a general [[practice]] for primitive [[mothers]] to kill and eat their own [[children]] in order to renew the [[strength]] lost in childbearing, and in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queensland Queensland] the first child is still frequently thus killed and devoured. In recent times [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] has been deliberately resorted to by many African tribes as a [[war]] measure, a sort of frightfulness with which to [[terrorize]] their [[neighbors]].

−

89:5.5 Some [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] resulted from the [[degeneration]] of once superior stocks, but it was mostly prevalent among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary races]. Man-eating came on at a time when men [[experienced]] [[intense]] and bitter [[emotions]] regarding their enemies. Eating human flesh became part of a [[solemn]] [[ceremony]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge revenge]; it was believed that an enemy's [[ghost]] could, in this way, be destroyed or fused with that of the eater. It was once a widespread [[belief]] that wizards [[attained]] their [[powers]] by eating human flesh.

+

89:5.5 Some [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] resulted from the [[degeneration]] of once superior stocks, but it was mostly prevalent among the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolutionary races]. Man-eating came on at a time when men [[experienced]] [[intense]] and bitter [[emotions]] regarding their enemies. Eating human flesh became part of a [[solemn]] [[ceremony]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge revenge]; it was believed that an enemy's [[ghost]] could, in this way, be destroyed or fused with that of the eater. It was once a widespread [[belief]] that wizards [[attained]] their [[powers]] by eating human flesh.

−

89:5.6 Certain groups of man-eaters would consume only members of their own [[tribes]], a pseudospiritual inbreeding which was supposed to accentuate [[tribal]] [[solidarity]]. But they also ate enemies for [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge revenge] with the [[idea]] of appropriating their [[strength]]. It was considered an [[honor]] to the [[soul]] of a friend or fellow tribesman if his [[body]] were eaten, while it was no more than just punishment to an enemy thus to devour him. The [[savage]] [[mind]] made no pretensions to being [[consistent]].

+

89:5.6 Certain groups of man-eaters would consume only members of their own [[tribes]], a pseudospiritual inbreeding which was supposed to accentuate [[tribal]] [[solidarity]]. But they also ate enemies for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revenge revenge] with the [[idea]] of appropriating their [[strength]]. It was considered an [[honor]] to the [[soul]] of a friend or fellow tribesman if his [[body]] were eaten, while it was no more than just punishment to an enemy thus to devour him. The [[savage]] [[mind]] made no pretensions to being [[consistent]].

89:5.7 Among some [[tribes]] aged [[parents]] would seek to be eaten by their [[children]]; among others it was [[customary]] to refrain from eating near relations; their bodies were sold or exchanged for those of strangers. There was considerable [[commerce]] in [[women]] and [[children]] who had been fattened for slaughter. When [[disease]] or war failed to [[control]] [[population]], the surplus was unceremoniously eaten.

−

89:5.8 [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism Cannibalism] has been gradually disappearing because of the following [[influences]]:

+

89:5.8 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism Cannibalism] has been gradually disappearing because of the following [[influences]]:

*1. 89:5.9 It sometimes became a [[communal]] [[ceremony]], the assumption of [[collective]] [[responsibility]] for inflicting the death penalty upon a fellow tribesman. The blood [[guilt]] ceases to be a [[crime]] when participated in by all, by [[society]]. The last of cannibalism in Asia was this eating of executed [[criminals]].

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*4. 89:5.12 It became limited to [[men]]; [[women]] were forbidden to eat human flesh.

*5. 89:5.13 It was next [[limited]] to the chiefs, ''priests'', and [[shamans]].

−

*6. 89:5.14 Then it became [[taboo]] among the higher tribes. The taboo on man-eating [[originated]] in [[Dalamatia]] and slowly spread over the world. The [[Nodites]] [[encouraged]] [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation cremation] as a means of combating [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] since it was once a common [[practice]] to dig up buried bodies and eat them.

+

*6. 89:5.14 Then it became [[taboo]] among the higher tribes. The taboo on man-eating [[originated]] in [[Dalamatia]] and slowly spread over the world. The [[Nodites]] [[encouraged]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cremation cremation] as a means of combating [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] since it was once a common [[practice]] to dig up buried bodies and eat them.

−

*7. 89:5.15 [[Human]] [[sacrifice]] sounded the [[death]] knell of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism]. Human flesh having become the [[food]] of superior men, the chiefs, it was [[eventually]] reserved for the still more superior spirits; and thus the offering of human sacrifices effectively put a stop to cannibalism, except among the lowest [[tribes]]. When human sacrifice was fully [[established]], man-eating became [[taboo]]; human flesh was [[food]] only for the gods; man could eat only a small [[ceremonial]] bit, a [[sacrament]].

+

*7. 89:5.15 [[Human]] [[sacrifice]] sounded the [[death]] knell of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism]. Human flesh having become the [[food]] of superior men, the chiefs, it was [[eventually]] reserved for the still more superior spirits; and thus the offering of human sacrifices effectively put a stop to cannibalism, except among the lowest [[tribes]]. When human sacrifice was fully [[established]], man-eating became [[taboo]]; human flesh was [[food]] only for the gods; man could eat only a small [[ceremonial]] bit, a [[sacrament]].

89:5.16 Finally [[animal]] substitutes came into general use for [[sacrificial]] [[purposes]], and even among the more backward [[tribes]] dog-eating greatly reduced man-eating. The dog was the first [[domesticated]] [[animal]] and was held in high [[esteem]] both as such and as [[food]].

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==89:6. EVOLUTION OF HUMAN SACRIFICE==

−

89:6.1 [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice Human sacrifice] was an indirect result of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] as well as its [[cure]]. Providing spirit escorts to the spirit world also led to the lessening of man-eating as it was never the custom to eat these [[death]] [[sacrifices]]. No [[race]] has been entirely [[free]] from the [[practice]] of human [[sacrifice]] in some form and at some time, even though the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites], [[Nodites]], and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamites] were the least [[addicted]] to [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism].

+

89:6.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice Human sacrifice] was an indirect result of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism] as well as its [[cure]]. Providing spirit escorts to the spirit world also led to the lessening of man-eating as it was never the custom to eat these [[death]] [[sacrifices]]. No [[race]] has been entirely [[free]] from the [[practice]] of human [[sacrifice]] in some form and at some time, even though the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_63#63:4._THE_ANDONIC_CLANS Andonites], [[Nodites]], and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_78#78:2._THE_ADAMITES_IN_THE_SECOND_GARDEN Adamites] were the least [[addicted]] to [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalism].

−

89:6.2 [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice Human sacrifice] has been virtually [[universal]]; it [[persisted]] in the religious [[customs]] of the [[Chinese]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindus], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptians], [[Hebrews]], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamians], [[Greeks]], [[Romans]], and many other peoples, even on to recent times among the backward African and Australian tribes. The later [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas American Indians] had a [[civilization]] emerging from cannibalism and, therefore, steeped in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice], especially in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_peoples Central] and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca South America]. The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldeans Chaldeans] were among the first to abandon the sacrificing of [[humans]] for ordinary occasions, substituting therefor [[animals]]. About two thousand years ago a tenderhearted [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Japanese_Emperors Japanese emperor] introduced clay images to take the place of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices], but it was less than a thousand years ago that these [[sacrifices]] died out in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Europe northern Europe]. Among certain backward [[tribes]], human sacrifice is still carried on by [[volunteers]], a sort of [[religious]] or [[ritual]] [[suicide]]. A [[shaman]] once ordered the [[sacrifice]] of a much respected old man of a certain tribe. The people revolted; they refused to [[obey]]. Whereupon the old man had his own son dispatch him; the [[ancients]] really believed in this [[custom]].

+

89:6.2 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice Human sacrifice] has been virtually [[universal]]; it [[persisted]] in the religious [[customs]] of the [[Chinese]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism Hindus], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egypt Egyptians], [[Hebrews]], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesopotamia Mesopotamians], [[Greeks]], [[Romans]], and many other peoples, even on to recent times among the backward African and Australian tribes. The later [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas American Indians] had a [[civilization]] emerging from cannibalism and, therefore, steeped in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice], especially in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_peoples Central] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca South America]. The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaldeans Chaldeans] were among the first to abandon the sacrificing of [[humans]] for ordinary occasions, substituting therefor [[animals]]. About two thousand years ago a tenderhearted [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Japanese_Emperors Japanese emperor] introduced clay images to take the place of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices], but it was less than a thousand years ago that these [[sacrifices]] died out in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Europe northern Europe]. Among certain backward [[tribes]], human sacrifice is still carried on by [[volunteers]], a sort of [[religious]] or [[ritual]] [[suicide]]. A [[shaman]] once ordered the [[sacrifice]] of a much respected old man of a certain tribe. The people revolted; they refused to [[obey]]. Whereupon the old man had his own son dispatch him; the [[ancients]] really believed in this [[custom]].

−

89:6.3 There is no more [[tragic]] and pathetic [[experience]] on [[record]], [[illustrative]] of the [[heart]]-tearing contentions between [[ancient]] and time-honored [[religious]] [[customs]] and the contrary demands of advancing [[civilization]], than the [[Hebrew]] [[narrative]] of Jephthah and his only daughter. As was common [[custom]], this well-meaning man had made a foolish [[vow]], had bargained with the "god of battles,"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Judges#Chapter_11] agreeing to pay a certain price for victory over his enemies. And this price was to make a [[sacrifice]] of that which first came out of his house to meet him when he returned to his home. Jephthah thought that one of his trusty [[slaves]] would thus be on hand to greet him, but it turned out that his daughter and only child came out to [[welcome]] him [[home]]. And so, even at that late date and among a supposedly [[civilized]] people, this [[beautiful]] [[maiden]], after two months to mourn her fate, was actually offered as a [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] by her father, and with the approval of his fellow tribesmen. And all this was done in the face of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]' stringent rulings against the offering of human sacrifice. But men and women are [[addicted]] to making foolish and needless [[vows]], and the men of old held all such pledges to be highly [[sacred]].

+

89:6.3 There is no more [[tragic]] and pathetic [[experience]] on [[record]], [[illustrative]] of the [[heart]]-tearing contentions between [[ancient]] and time-honored [[religious]] [[customs]] and the contrary demands of advancing [[civilization]], than the [[Hebrew]] [[narrative]] of Jephthah and his only daughter. As was common [[custom]], this well-meaning man had made a foolish [[vow]], had bargained with the "god of battles,"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Judges#Chapter_11] agreeing to pay a certain price for victory over his enemies. And this price was to make a [[sacrifice]] of that which first came out of his house to meet him when he returned to his home. Jephthah thought that one of his trusty [[slaves]] would thus be on hand to greet him, but it turned out that his daughter and only child came out to [[welcome]] him [[home]]. And so, even at that late date and among a supposedly [[civilized]] people, this [[beautiful]] [[maiden]], after two months to mourn her fate, was actually offered as a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] by her father, and with the approval of his fellow tribesmen. And all this was done in the face of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses]' stringent rulings against the offering of human sacrifice. But men and women are [[addicted]] to making foolish and needless [[vows]], and the men of old held all such pledges to be highly [[sacred]].

89:6.4 In olden times, when a new building of any importance was started, it was [[customary]] to slay a [[human being]] as a "[[foundation]] [[sacrifice]]." This provided a [[ghost]] spirit to watch over and [[protect]] the [[structure]]. When the [[Chinese]] made ready to cast a bell, [[custom]] decreed the [[sacrifice]] of at least one [[maiden]] for the [[purpose]] of improving the tone of the bell; the girl chosen was thrown alive into the molten metal.

−

89:6.5 It was long the [[practice]] of many [[groups]] to build [[slaves]] alive into important walls. In later times the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Europe northern European] [[tribes]] substituted the walling in of the [[shadow]] of a passerby for this [[custom]] of entombing living persons in the walls of new buildings. The [[Chinese]] buried in a wall those workmen who died while constructing it.

+

89:6.5 It was long the [[practice]] of many [[groups]] to build [[slaves]] alive into important walls. In later times the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Europe northern European] [[tribes]] substituted the walling in of the [[shadow]] of a passerby for this [[custom]] of entombing living persons in the walls of new buildings. The [[Chinese]] buried in a wall those workmen who died while constructing it.

−

89:6.6 A petty king in [[Palestine]], in building the walls of Jericho, "laid the foundation thereof in Abiram, his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son, Segub."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_16] At that late date, not only did this [[father]] put two of his sons alive in the [[foundation]] holes of the city's gates, but his [[action]] is also recorded as being "according to the word of the Lord."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_16] [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had forbidden these [[foundation]] [[sacrifices]], but the Israelites reverted to them soon after his [[death]]. The twentieth-century [[ceremony]] of depositing trinkets and keepsakes in the cornerstone of a new building is reminiscent of the [[primitive]] [[foundation]] [[sacrifices]].

+

89:6.6 A petty king in [[Palestine]], in building the walls of Jericho, "laid the foundation thereof in Abiram, his first-born, and set up the gates thereof in his youngest son, Segub."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_16] At that late date, not only did this [[father]] put two of his sons alive in the [[foundation]] holes of the city's gates, but his [[action]] is also recorded as being "according to the word of the Lord."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_16] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had forbidden these [[foundation]] [[sacrifices]], but the Israelites reverted to them soon after his [[death]]. The twentieth-century [[ceremony]] of depositing trinkets and keepsakes in the cornerstone of a new building is reminiscent of the [[primitive]] [[foundation]] [[sacrifices]].

−

89:6.7 It was long the [[custom]] of many peoples to [[dedicate]] the first fruits to the spirits. And these observances, now more or less [[symbolic]], are all [[survivals]] of the early [[ceremonies]] involving [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. The [[idea]] of offering the first-born as a [[sacrifice]] was widespread among the [[ancients]], especially among the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], who were the last to give it up. It used to be said upon sacrificing, "life for life."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.21] Now you say at [[death]], "dust to dust."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ecclesiastes#Chapter_.3]

+

89:6.7 It was long the [[custom]] of many peoples to [[dedicate]] the first fruits to the spirits. And these observances, now more or less [[symbolic]], are all [[survivals]] of the early [[ceremonies]] involving [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. The [[idea]] of offering the first-born as a [[sacrifice]] was widespread among the [[ancients]], especially among the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenicians], who were the last to give it up. It used to be said upon sacrificing, "life for life."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Exodus#Chapter_.21] Now you say at [[death]], "dust to dust."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Ecclesiastes#Chapter_.3]

−

89:6.8 The [[spectacle]] of [[Abraham]] constrained to sacrifice his son [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], while shocking to civilized susceptibilities, was not a new or strange [[idea]] to the men of those days. It was long a prevalent [[practice]] for [[fathers]], at times of great [[emotional]] [[stress]], to sacrifice their first-born sons. Many peoples have a [[tradition]] [[analogous]] to this [[story]], for there once existed a world-wide and [[profound]] [[belief]] that it was [[necessary]] to offer a [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] when anything extraordinary or unusual happened.

+

89:6.8 The [[spectacle]] of [[Abraham]] constrained to sacrifice his son [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac Isaac], while shocking to civilized susceptibilities, was not a new or strange [[idea]] to the men of those days. It was long a prevalent [[practice]] for [[fathers]], at times of great [[emotional]] [[stress]], to sacrifice their first-born sons. Many peoples have a [[tradition]] [[analogous]] to this [[story]], for there once existed a world-wide and [[profound]] [[belief]] that it was [[necessary]] to offer a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] when anything extraordinary or unusual happened.

==89:7. MODIFICATIONS OF HUMAN SACRIFICE==

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89:7.1 [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] attempted to end [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices] by [[inaugurating]] the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransom] as a substitute. He [[established]] a systematic schedule which enabled his people to [[escape]] the worst results of their rash and foolish [[vows]]. [[Lands]], [[properties]], and [[children]] could be redeemed according to the [[established]] fees, which were payable to the [[priests]]. Those [[groups]] which ceased to [[sacrifice]] their first-born soon possessed great advantages over less advanced [[neighbors]] who continued these atrocious [[acts]]. Many such backward [[tribes]] were not only greatly weakened by this loss of sons, but even the [[succession]] of [[leadership]] was often broken.

+

89:7.1 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] attempted to end [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices] by [[inaugurating]] the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransom] as a substitute. He [[established]] a systematic schedule which enabled his people to [[escape]] the worst results of their rash and foolish [[vows]]. [[Lands]], [[properties]], and [[children]] could be redeemed according to the [[established]] fees, which were payable to the [[priests]]. Those [[groups]] which ceased to [[sacrifice]] their first-born soon possessed great advantages over less advanced [[neighbors]] who continued these atrocious [[acts]]. Many such backward [[tribes]] were not only greatly weakened by this loss of sons, but even the [[succession]] of [[leadership]] was often broken.

−

89:7.2 An outgrowth of the passing [[child]] [[sacrifice]] was the [[custom]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover#Origin_of_the_name smearing blood] on the house doorposts for the [[protection]] of the first-born. This was often done in [[connection]] with one of the [[sacred]] feasts of the year, and this [[ceremony]] once obtained over most of the world from Mexico to Egypt.

+

89:7.2 An outgrowth of the passing [[child]] [[sacrifice]] was the [[custom]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover#Origin_of_the_name smearing blood] on the house doorposts for the [[protection]] of the first-born. This was often done in [[connection]] with one of the [[sacred]] feasts of the year, and this [[ceremony]] once obtained over most of the world from Mexico to Egypt.

−

89:7.3 Even after most [[groups]] had ceased the [[ritual]] killing of [[children]], it was the [[custom]] to put an infant away by itself, off in the wilderness or in a little boat on the [[water]]. If the child [[survived]], it was thought that the gods had [[intervened]] to preserve him, as in the [[traditions]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sargon Sargon], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus Cyrus], and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romulus Romulus]. Then came the [[practice]] of dedicating the first-born sons as [[sacred]] or sacrificial, allowing them to grow up and then [[exiling]] them in lieu of [[death]]; this was the [[origin]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization colonization]. The [[Romans]] adhered to this custom in their scheme of colonization.

+

89:7.3 Even after most [[groups]] had ceased the [[ritual]] killing of [[children]], it was the [[custom]] to put an infant away by itself, off in the wilderness or in a little boat on the [[water]]. If the child [[survived]], it was thought that the gods had [[intervened]] to preserve him, as in the [[traditions]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sargon Sargon], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus Cyrus], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romulus Romulus]. Then came the [[practice]] of dedicating the first-born sons as [[sacred]] or sacrificial, allowing them to grow up and then [[exiling]] them in lieu of [[death]]; this was the [[origin]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonization colonization]. The [[Romans]] adhered to this custom in their scheme of colonization.

−

89:7.4 Many of the peculiar [[associations]] of [[sex]] laxity with [[primitive]] [[worship]] had their [[origin]] in connection with [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. In olden times, if a [[woman]] met [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_hunter head-hunters], she could redeem her life by [[sexual]] [[surrender]]. Later, a [[maiden]] consecrated to the gods as a [[sacrifice]] might elect to redeem her life by [[dedicating]] her [[body]] for life to the [[sacred]] [[sex]] [[service]] of the [[temple]]; in this way she could earn her [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption] [[money]]. The [[ancients]] regarded it as highly elevating to have [[sex]] relations with a [[woman]] thus engaged in [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransoming] her life. It was a [[religious]] [[ceremony]] to consort with these [[sacred]] [[maidens]], and in addition, this whole [[ritual]] afforded an acceptable excuse for commonplace [[sexual]] [[gratification]]. This was a subtle [[species]] of [[self]]-[[deception]] which both the [[maidens]] and their consorts delighted to [[practice]] upon themselves. The [[mores]] always drag behind in the [[evolutionary]] advance of [[civilization]], thus providing [[sanction]] for the earlier and more savagelike sex [[practices]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolving races].

+

89:7.4 Many of the peculiar [[associations]] of [[sex]] laxity with [[primitive]] [[worship]] had their [[origin]] in connection with [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. In olden times, if a [[woman]] met [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Head_hunter head-hunters], she could redeem her life by [[sexual]] [[surrender]]. Later, a [[maiden]] consecrated to the gods as a [[sacrifice]] might elect to redeem her life by [[dedicating]] her [[body]] for life to the [[sacred]] [[sex]] [[service]] of the [[temple]]; in this way she could earn her [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption] [[money]]. The [[ancients]] regarded it as highly elevating to have [[sex]] relations with a [[woman]] thus engaged in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransoming] her life. It was a [[religious]] [[ceremony]] to consort with these [[sacred]] [[maidens]], and in addition, this whole [[ritual]] afforded an acceptable excuse for commonplace [[sexual]] [[gratification]]. This was a subtle [[species]] of [[self]]-[[deception]] which both the [[maidens]] and their consorts delighted to [[practice]] upon themselves. The [[mores]] always drag behind in the [[evolutionary]] advance of [[civilization]], thus providing [[sanction]] for the earlier and more savagelike sex [[practices]] of the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 evolving races].

−

89:7.5 [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_prostitution Temple harlotry] [[eventually]] spread throughout [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe southern Europe] and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia]. The [[money]] earned by the [[temple]] [[prostitutes]] was held [[sacred]] among all peoples—a high gift to present to the gods. The highest types of [[women]] thronged the [[temple]] [[sex]] marts and [[devoted]] their earnings to all kinds of sacred [[services]] and works of [[public]] [[good]]. Many of the better classes of [[women]] collected their [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry dowries] by temporary [[sex]] [[service]] in the [[temples]], and most men preferred to have such [[women]] for [[wives]].

+

89:7.5 [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_prostitution Temple harlotry] [[eventually]] spread throughout [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Europe southern Europe] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asia Asia]. The [[money]] earned by the [[temple]] [[prostitutes]] was held [[sacred]] among all peoples—a high gift to present to the gods. The highest types of [[women]] thronged the [[temple]] [[sex]] marts and [[devoted]] their earnings to all kinds of sacred [[services]] and works of [[public]] [[good]]. Many of the better classes of [[women]] collected their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dowry dowries] by temporary [[sex]] [[service]] in the [[temples]], and most men preferred to have such [[women]] for [[wives]].

==89:8. REDEMPTION AND COVENANTS==

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89:8.1 [[Sacrificial]] [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption_%28theology%29 redemption] and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_prostitution temple prostitution] were in reality [[modifications]] of ~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. Next came the mock sacrifice of daughters. This [[ceremony]] consisted in bloodletting, with [[dedication]] to life-long [[virginity]], and was a [[moral]] [[reaction]] to the older [[temple]] [[harlotry]]. In more recent times [[virgins]] dedicated themselves to the [[service]] of tending the [[sacred]] [[temple]] [[fire]]s.

+

89:8.1 [[Sacrificial]] [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption_%28theology%29 redemption] and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_prostitution temple prostitution] were in reality [[modifications]] of https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. Next came the mock sacrifice of daughters. This [[ceremony]] consisted in bloodletting, with [[dedication]] to life-long [[virginity]], and was a [[moral]] [[reaction]] to the older [[temple]] [[harlotry]]. In more recent times [[virgins]] dedicated themselves to the [[service]] of tending the [[sacred]] [[temple]] [[fire]]s.

−

89:8.2 [[Men]] [[eventually]] conceived the [[idea]] that the offering of some part of the [[body]] could take the place of the older and complete [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. Physical mutilation was also considered to be an acceptable substitute. Hair, nails, blood, and even fingers and toes were sacrificed. The later and well-nigh [[universal]] [[ancient]] [[rite]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision] was an outgrowth of the [[cult]] of partial [[sacrifice]]; it was purely sacrificial, no [[thought]] of [[hygiene]] being attached thereto. Men were circumcised; [[women]] had their [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_piercing ears pierced].

+

89:8.2 [[Men]] [[eventually]] conceived the [[idea]] that the offering of some part of the [[body]] could take the place of the older and complete [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. Physical mutilation was also considered to be an acceptable substitute. Hair, nails, blood, and even fingers and toes were sacrificed. The later and well-nigh [[universal]] [[ancient]] [[rite]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumcision circumcision] was an outgrowth of the [[cult]] of partial [[sacrifice]]; it was purely sacrificial, no [[thought]] of [[hygiene]] being attached thereto. Men were circumcised; [[women]] had their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_piercing ears pierced].

−

89:8.3 Subsequently it became the [[custom]] to bind fingers together instead of cutting them off. Shaving the head and cutting the hair were likewise forms of [[religious]] [[devotion]]. The making of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eunuchs eunuchs] was at first a [[modification]] of the [[idea]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_piercing Nose and lip piercing] is still [[practiced]] in Africa, and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatooing tattooing] is an artistic [[evolution]] of the earlier crude scarring of the [[body]].

+

89:8.3 Subsequently it became the [[custom]] to bind fingers together instead of cutting them off. Shaving the head and cutting the hair were likewise forms of [[religious]] [[devotion]]. The making of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eunuchs eunuchs] was at first a [[modification]] of the [[idea]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_piercing Nose and lip piercing] is still [[practiced]] in Africa, and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tatooing tattooing] is an artistic [[evolution]] of the earlier crude scarring of the [[body]].

−

89:8.4 The [[custom]] of [[sacrifice]] [[eventually]] became [[associated]], as a result of advancing teachings, with the [[idea]] of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant]. At last, the gods were conceived of as entering into real [[agreements]] with man; and this was a major step in the [[stabilization]] of [[religion]]. [[Law]], a [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant], takes the place of [[luck]], [[fear]], and [[superstition]].

+

89:8.4 The [[custom]] of [[sacrifice]] [[eventually]] became [[associated]], as a result of advancing teachings, with the [[idea]] of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant]. At last, the gods were conceived of as entering into real [[agreements]] with man; and this was a major step in the [[stabilization]] of [[religion]]. [[Law]], a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant], takes the place of [[luck]], [[fear]], and [[superstition]].

89:8.5 Man could never even [[dream]] of entering into a [[contract]] with [[Deity]] until his [[concept]] of [[God]] had advanced to the level whereon the [[universe]] [[Administration|controllers]] were envisioned as dependable. And man's early [[idea]] of God was so [[anthropomorphic]] that he was unable to conceive of a dependable [[Deity]] until he himself became [[relatively]] dependable, [[moral]], and [[ethical]].

−

89:8.6 But the [[idea]] of making a [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant] with the gods did finally arrive. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 Evolutionary man] [[eventually]] acquired such [[moral]] [[dignity]] that he dared to bargain with his gods. And so the [[business]] of offering [[sacrifices]] gradually [[developed]] into the [[game]] of man's philosophic bargaining with God. And all this [[represented]] a new device for insuring against bad [[luck]] or, rather, an enhanced [[technique]] for the more definite purchase of [[prosperity]]. Do not entertain the mistaken [[idea]] that these early sacrifices were a free gift to the gods, a [[spontaneous]] offering of [[gratitude]] or thanksgiving; they were not [[expressions]] of true [[worship]].

+

89:8.6 But the [[idea]] of making a [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenant] with the gods did finally arrive. [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_64 Evolutionary man] [[eventually]] acquired such [[moral]] [[dignity]] that he dared to bargain with his gods. And so the [[business]] of offering [[sacrifices]] gradually [[developed]] into the [[game]] of man's philosophic bargaining with God. And all this [[represented]] a new device for insuring against bad [[luck]] or, rather, an enhanced [[technique]] for the more definite purchase of [[prosperity]]. Do not entertain the mistaken [[idea]] that these early sacrifices were a free gift to the gods, a [[spontaneous]] offering of [[gratitude]] or thanksgiving; they were not [[expressions]] of true [[worship]].

89:8.7 [[Primitive]] forms of [[prayer]] were nothing more nor less than bargaining with the spirits, an [[argument]] with the gods. It was a kind of bartering in which pleading and [[persuasion]] were substituted for something more tangible and costly. The developing [[commerce]] of the races had inculcated the spirit of trade and had [[developed]] the shrewdness of [[barter]]; and now these traits began to appear in man's [[worship]] [[methods]]. And as some men were better traders than others, so some were regarded as better prayers than others. The [[prayer]] of a just man was held in high [[esteem]]. A just man was one who had paid all accounts to the spirits, had fully discharged every [[ritual]] [[obligation]] to the gods.

Line 151: Line 151:

==89:9. SACRIFICES AND SACRAMENTS==

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89:9.1 The [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice], throughout the [[course]] of the [[evolution]] of [[Urantia]]n [[rituals]], has advanced from the bloody [[business]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism man-eating] to higher and more [[symbolic]] levels. The early [[rituals]] of [[sacrifice]] bred the later [[ceremonies]] of [[sacrament]]. In more recent times the [[priest]] alone would partake of a bit of the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalistic] [[sacrifice]] or a drop of human blood, and then all would partake of the [[animal]] substitute. These early [[ideas]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransom], [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption], and [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenants] have evolved into the later-day [[sacramental]] [[services]]. And all this [[ceremonial]] [[evolution]] has exerted a mighty [[socializing]] [[influence]].

+

89:9.1 The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice], throughout the [[course]] of the [[evolution]] of [[Urantia]]n [[rituals]], has advanced from the bloody [[business]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism man-eating] to higher and more [[symbolic]] levels. The early [[rituals]] of [[sacrifice]] bred the later [[ceremonies]] of [[sacrament]]. In more recent times the [[priest]] alone would partake of a bit of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalistic] [[sacrifice]] or a drop of human blood, and then all would partake of the [[animal]] substitute. These early [[ideas]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ransom ransom], [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption], and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covenant_%28religion%29 covenants] have evolved into the later-day [[sacramental]] [[services]]. And all this [[ceremonial]] [[evolution]] has exerted a mighty [[socializing]] [[influence]].

−

89:9.2 In [[connection]] with the [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_of_God Mother of God cult], in Mexico and elsewhere, a [[sacrament]] of cakes and wine was [[eventually]] utilized in lieu of the flesh and blood of the older [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices]. The [[Hebrews]] long [[practiced]] this [[ritual]] as a part of their [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover Passover] [[ceremonies]], and it was from this ceremonial that the later [[Christian]] version of the [[sacrament]] took its [[origin]].

+

89:9.2 In [[connection]] with the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_of_God Mother of God cult], in Mexico and elsewhere, a [[sacrament]] of cakes and wine was [[eventually]] utilized in lieu of the flesh and blood of the older [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifices]. The [[Hebrews]] long [[practiced]] this [[ritual]] as a part of their [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover Passover] [[ceremonies]], and it was from this ceremonial that the later [[Christian]] version of the [[sacrament]] took its [[origin]].

−

89:9.3 The [[ancient]] [[social]] brotherhoods were based on the [[rite]] of blood drinking; the early Jewish [[fraternity]] was a [[sacrificial]] blood affair. [[Paul]] started out to build a new [[Christian]] [[cult]] on "the blood of the everlasting covenant."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Letters_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XIII] And while he may have unnecessarily encumbered [[Christianity]] with teachings about blood and [[sacrifice]], he did once and for all make an end of the [[doctrines]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption] through [[human]] or [[animal]] [[sacrifices]]. His theologic [[compromises]] indicate that even [[revelation]] must submit to the [[graduated]] [[control]] of [[evolution]]. According to [[Paul]], [[Christ]] became the last and all-sufficient [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]; the [[divine]] Judge is now fully and forever satisfied.

+

89:9.3 The [[ancient]] [[social]] brotherhoods were based on the [[rite]] of blood drinking; the early Jewish [[fraternity]] was a [[sacrificial]] blood affair. [[Paul]] started out to build a new [[Christian]] [[cult]] on "the blood of the everlasting covenant."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Letters_to_the_Hebrews#The_Letter_to_the_Hebrews.2C_XIII] And while he may have unnecessarily encumbered [[Christianity]] with teachings about blood and [[sacrifice]], he did once and for all make an end of the [[doctrines]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Redemption redemption] through [[human]] or [[animal]] [[sacrifices]]. His theologic [[compromises]] indicate that even [[revelation]] must submit to the [[graduated]] [[control]] of [[evolution]]. According to [[Paul]], [[Christ]] became the last and all-sufficient [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice]; the [[divine]] Judge is now fully and forever satisfied.

−

89:9.4 And so, after long ages the [[cult]] of the [[sacrifice]] has evolved into the cult of the [[sacrament]]. Thus are the sacraments of [[modern]] [[religions]] the legitimate successors of those shocking early [[ceremonies]] of [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] and the still earlier [~~http~~://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalistic] [[rituals]]. Many still depend upon blood for [[salvation]], but it has at least become figurative, [[symbolic]], and [[mystic]].

+

89:9.4 And so, after long ages the [[cult]] of the [[sacrifice]] has evolved into the cult of the [[sacrament]]. Thus are the sacraments of [[modern]] [[religions]] the legitimate successors of those shocking early [[ceremonies]] of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_sacrifice human sacrifice] and the still earlier [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannibalism cannibalistic] [[rituals]]. Many still depend upon blood for [[salvation]], but it has at least become figurative, [[symbolic]], and [[mystic]].

==89:10. FORGIVENESS OF SIN==

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Paper 89 - Sin, Sacrifice, and Atonement (view source)

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