Religions That Practice Animal Sacrifice

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Animal sacrifice in most religions has been an accepted part of traditions. All ancient cultures has some sort of ritual sacrifice that was a part of their customs. The basic idea behind sacrificing an animal and presenting it to the Gods is a way to please them or thank them for their kindness. Lest us take an individual look at the different religions that practice animal sacrifice.

Animal Sacrifice In Judaism

Judaism is one of the oldest surviving religions of the modern times. And animal sacrifice in Judaism or korbanot is a custom by which you do the ritual sacrifice of a chicken or lamb at the Jewish temple to atone for a human being sins. This is done with the full knowledge that the person who has committed an offence is the one who should be sacrificed.

References To Animal Sacrifice In Christianity

There are some vague references to animal sacrifice in the early days of Christianity. The New Testament mentions that Jesus parents sacrificed a pair of doves after His death. In fact, the whole semantics behind calling Jesus, 'the lamb of god' makes a reference to the fact that the Jesus was scarificed at God's altar to atone for the sins of mankind.

Some rural and country churches still sacrifice animals for the Saints. However, the modern religion of Christianity does not subscribe to such rituals.

Animal Sacrifice In Hinduism

In Hinduism, bali is the term used for animal sacrifice. Bali in Hinduism is a sacred rite that is mostly practised by the devotees of Shakti or the sole female deity. Shakti has many forms. In the avatars of Durga and Kali, She is a blood thirsty goddess. And animals are sacrificed at her alter to quench her thirst for blood although it is no longer legal.

However, in the Vedic times animal sacrifice was much more common. When yagnas where held for the gods, animals were sacrificed in the holy fire. Ashwamedha yagna or the horse ritual was also technically an animal sacrifice. The advent of Buddhism and Jainism in India, put a check on the indiscriminate way in which animals were being sacrificed. Both these religions condemn animal sacrifice as cruelty.

Animal Sacrifice In Islam

The followers of Islam who take the holy pilgrimage to Mecca are honour bound to sacrifice a lamb or camel at the alter of god. Apart from that, lambs and camels are also sacrificed on every Eid. The cause of this sacrifice is to thank god for all his kindness. That is why, animals are also sacrificed during weddings, birth of sons and completion of a house. All these happy occasions are reasons to offer Allah your thanks.

So, most modern religions have a history of animal sacrifice. But most don't practice this ritual any more.