AGEDP

Sacrifice

Because of the time of year there seems to be a lot about sacrifice on the TV.

I loved a "thought for the day" from last week about the crucifixion. I didn't catch who it was but his premise was that a religion that could survive despite its prophet (or deity if you agree with Constantine's decree) suffering total humiliation must have something going for it had me thinking. I have always believed that God can take care of himself - He doesn't need fundamentalists shouting death threats and throwing bombs to avenge a slight or insult to Him - He has His own merciful way of dealing with idiots. So I did wonder if the "sacrifice" made by suicide bombers would have such "theological" significance to fundamentalist Islam if Mohammed had not died in his bed, but had been martyred in the name of political expediency.

I also came across a Discovery channel programme about the Celts. It was harping on about human sacrifice - wicker pyres, bog bodies, et al - and the presenter sounded oh so smug about how we don't do that sort of thing anymore. Where on earth did she get that idea? IF the whole purpose of human sacrifice is to appease the gods so that the rest of the community can feel safe and prosper then surely sending our young men and women into danger in conflicts we purport to be fighting to combat the terrorists who threaten our safety is not so different. Just a different kind of mumbo-jumbo.

10.4.07 12:58