Reading Scripture Together: ‘Drink My Blood’: Sacrifice and Atonement course
As Christians prepare for Lent and Easter, and as Jews prepare for Passover, both communities will be commemorating an ancient sacrifice. But to what extent are our communities’ understandings of sacrifice, blood and sin actually similar to each other? What are our different assumptions about these concepts and what are the early biblical texts which shape our perceptions of them?
On this in-person day we will read biblical and sacred texts together in order to explore the role that blood plays in the Jewish (e.g. Temple sacrifice, circumcision, covenant, kashrut) and Christian traditions (e.g. through purification from sin, transubstantiation, and atonement theories). We will also touch on the misunderstandings and accusations that emerged during the Middle Ages, leading to the infamous charge of Blood Libel during Passover celebrations.
Together, we will wrestle with these ideas and consider the theological and cultural implications they invite, with a view to bringing new perspectives into our own belief and practice.
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