The idea of ritual sacrifice also shows up in the Bible especially jn the story of Cain and Abel. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected by God. Why? Perhaps it was because it was a non-blood sacrifice. But likely, unlike those meager people mentioned who could only offer cakes or grains, it wasn’t the best he could do. He was likely holding back by only offering fruit off the ground while Abel brought the first born of his flock.
"It was this monumental clash of religions and rituals that brought about not only the dissipation of the ultimate authority of the emperor, but an irreconcilable and irreversible revolution in the history of the European people..." Hoping we'll see a post {or posts} delving more into this clash/revolution?
Despite being used by the rulers to frighten and limit human imagination, rituals play its roles teaching us to prioritise something more than ourselves, unite peoples with different thoughts and will.
Ritual is what the modern world is missing. We are missing the ritual of cleaning up and putting our best clothes on, and then going to publicly worship god. Instead of the dignity it deserves, people dress in shorts and T-Shirts or short skirts and go to church. They sing to modern drums and guitars, instead of the somber organs and pianos. They watch the sermon on TV, instead of listening with their friends and neighbors. And everyone gets to take the body of Christ, not just the believers.
Gone are the censors full of smoke and the Latin scriptures. Instead, we listen to modern interpretations of god's words.
I love how in Japan, for instance, there is a lot of ritual around every day activities, like pouring tea. I think we find a lot of calm and grounding in performing small acts that are cherished. It makes us very present.
In the 1960 Kubrick film Spartacus, Caesar and Gracchus are leaving the Senate when Gracchus suggests they stop and make a 'good old fashioned' sacrifice to the Gods.
Caesar: I thought you didn't believe in the Gods.
Gracchus: Privately I believen in none of them, neither do you. Publicly I believe in all of them, and so should you.
As for the TV series I, Claudius...
You have never watched it?
Then you are in for a real treat!
Working with a limited budget, the producers wisely put their money into the writers and the cast.
The sets are limited and the costumes a standard Hollywood Roman, however...
The writing is sharp and the delivery by the cast is excellent.
The idea of ritual sacrifice also shows up in the Bible especially jn the story of Cain and Abel. Cain’s sacrifice was rejected by God. Why? Perhaps it was because it was a non-blood sacrifice. But likely, unlike those meager people mentioned who could only offer cakes or grains, it wasn’t the best he could do. He was likely holding back by only offering fruit off the ground while Abel brought the first born of his flock.
"It was this monumental clash of religions and rituals that brought about not only the dissipation of the ultimate authority of the emperor, but an irreconcilable and irreversible revolution in the history of the European people..." Hoping we'll see a post {or posts} delving more into this clash/revolution?
Great idea!!
Despite being used by the rulers to frighten and limit human imagination, rituals play its roles teaching us to prioritise something more than ourselves, unite peoples with different thoughts and will.
I agree - I actually think a lot of ritual is extremely important for maintaining a healthy society.
Ritual is what the modern world is missing. We are missing the ritual of cleaning up and putting our best clothes on, and then going to publicly worship god. Instead of the dignity it deserves, people dress in shorts and T-Shirts or short skirts and go to church. They sing to modern drums and guitars, instead of the somber organs and pianos. They watch the sermon on TV, instead of listening with their friends and neighbors. And everyone gets to take the body of Christ, not just the believers.
Gone are the censors full of smoke and the Latin scriptures. Instead, we listen to modern interpretations of god's words.
I love how in Japan, for instance, there is a lot of ritual around every day activities, like pouring tea. I think we find a lot of calm and grounding in performing small acts that are cherished. It makes us very present.
How little has changed since Polibius' time...
Sad but true...
I, Claudius was wonderful television.
Excellent! We need more TV like that...
And speaking of using the Gods...
In the 1960 Kubrick film Spartacus, Caesar and Gracchus are leaving the Senate when Gracchus suggests they stop and make a 'good old fashioned' sacrifice to the Gods.
Caesar: I thought you didn't believe in the Gods.
Gracchus: Privately I believen in none of them, neither do you. Publicly I believe in all of them, and so should you.
As for the TV series I, Claudius...
You have never watched it?
Then you are in for a real treat!
Working with a limited budget, the producers wisely put their money into the writers and the cast.
The sets are limited and the costumes a standard Hollywood Roman, however...
The writing is sharp and the delivery by the cast is excellent.
http://narukamisthunderbolts.blogspot.com/2013/03/hollywood-romans-15-i-claudius.html
Well said! It was an excellent show...
I haven't had the chance before! It's just been added to one of the streaming services where I am. I'm really looking forward to finally seeing it!
An Amazing Tapestry of History... with some new questions/insights and warnings for today and beyond. Great Work!
Glad you liked it!