The idea of using blood of a living creature, (typically an animal’s) in order to blot out immorality, or better known as sin, can be traced back to the roots of primal civilization. Specifically in Judaism, the ritual started in which an animal was sacrificed in order to cover the sins of a person or multiple people. As we presently observe the traditions of Judaism we do not find any sign of animal sacrifice, with an exception of orthodox Jews. While on the other hand, Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) will be found to zealously observe blood atonement in their practices today. The significance and importance that was placed in blood atonement, through animal sacrifice, no longer has the same affect in Judaism traditions because of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, yet blood atonement can still be found heavily regarded by FLDS, as they hold to the belief that Jesus’s shedding of blood on the cross is not sufficient for serious sins such as murder or adultery. In the following paragraphs I will be discussing the key differences in the believe of blood atonement between Jews and Fundamentalist Mormons and how the beliefs in blood atonement has evolved over the last few centuries in both religions and how in turn has shaped the view of the two religions.
The word “atone” connotes to “wash away,” to cover,” or “to erase.” The book of Leviticus 17:11 says “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” In more concise terms, what this verse is saying is that the blood of another creature would in fact be able to cover the sins of a human being. The blood of another creature was necessary bec...
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I am regularly (such as last night) in conversation with well-educated Mormons who struggle when trying to deal with rational concepts related to things like science, investment strategies, politics and other purely secular matters. And I see in their struggles infections likely attributable to the magical thinking at the heart of what is required these days to be a literally believing Mormon. The conversation in which I participated last night that caused this essay had to do with an investment opportunity that a bright, successful young Mormon had been offered. Some Mormons still respect my judgment regarding investments that seem not to require "the Spirit", and he wanted to run by me what had been proposed to him. I was happy to listen for a few minutes and tell him what I thought.
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The primary religious rituals of Israelite religion involved sacrifices and offerings. The ritual system within the Israelite cult evolved around gifts and offerings that were presented before Yahweh. In examining the book of Leviticus, the sacrificial system of the Israelites can be identified. It is this sacrificial system that was handed down by God through Moses that allowed the people of Israel to cross over the gap between their own weaknesses and corruption to the expectations presented by God. Sacrifices symbolized an acknowledgement of guilt and a need for divine grace and forgiveness.
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...his was the reason God gave the commandment not to eat blood, as the blood represents life, and most of all represents the blood of Christ poured out for all sinners. This command was so important that it carried over to the New Testament. This reflects the fourth approach of Principlism, applying an Old Testament law to the New Testament. This law is repeated as Christians are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is to be remembered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore the Old Testament law still applies to Christians today.
This research paper will cover the religious group the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I will discuss the group’s origins from their original start to their current history. I will also touch on a few of the Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs as well as some of their most prevalent practices of yesterday and today. By the end of this paper you will have a better understanding of this modern, in terms of length, religion.
Right from the beginning the reader is introduced to Cottonwoods, the “remotest border settlement of southern Utah” (Grey), that has been founded as a Mormon community. Although the religion and its practices are not discussed in detail, “the ideas
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Confession is one of the most challenging sacraments to engage in on a psychological level. It is often painful because it infers that one has done something wrong and it asks one to examine their lives and the mistakes they have made during it. However, integrated into to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is forgiveness. The peace and comfort given by confession outweigh the pain and guilt experienced be before it. The three main aspects of Reconciliation I will focus on is guilt, confessing, and forgiveness. I will show how man is naturally inclined to the aspect, how the aspect ties into the sacrament, and the benefits of partaking in the sacrament.
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