A Redescription of Early Christian Positions on Animal Sacrifice

This chapter shows that Christian arguments on the meaning and purpose of animal sacrifice, from Paul to Cyprian, do not form a single cohesive position. Rather, they represent different Christian thinkers taking up the issue of sacrifice for their own varied purposes. In many cases, Christian discourse on sacrifice is not part of conflicts between Christians and Romans or Christians and Jews. Instead, it is part of inter-Christian conflict. Christian authors use arguments on the meaning and purpose of animal sacrifice to articulate their positions vis-à-vis their Christian rivals. In particular, the Christian group that won the historical battle had to defend their claim represent the true heritage of Judaism and the Hebrew Bible. Their position on sacrifice was a key piece of their claim to represent true Christianity.

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