Does anybody know when and where the practice of sin-offering originated? In Israel it was the practice of scape-goating and offering different animals on the alter which led to the sin offer of jesus christ. Was it practised in religions older than judaism and christianity?
Whats the origin of sin-offering?
by Cirkeline 3 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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FadeToBlack
It seemed to be a common feature of almost all societies as they transitioned from hunter-gatherers to agrarian-based once the priests arrived on the scene. So yes, it was a practice that predated ancient Israel. Generally the idea was to appease the gods to insure a successful harvest. Blood was not always involved.
Edit: Oh, sorry. I just noticed the 'sin-offering' part of the question. But I think the answer is still the same. Just a bit later, as religious concepts developed.
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bohm
Hey! How is it going with your daughters?
I dont quite know how sin offerings differs from ordinary sacrifice, but wikipedia has some good links:
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mP
Interestngly scape goating also has astrological connection with Capricon the Goat the sign of the middle of winter in many cultures.