Sacrifice May 2026

: William Robertson Smith argued that the original motive was to foster communion among group members and their god through a shared sacrificial meal.

: It was often seen as a way to transfer guilt or "sin" to a victim, thereby purifying the community and keeping deities "vigorous". Historical Development of the Practice Sacrifice

: Proposed by Sir Edward Burnett Tylor, this suggests sacrifice began as a gift to deities to secure favor or minimize hostility. : William Robertson Smith argued that the original