Sacrifice in Early Christianity: The Social Dimensions of a Metaphor (original) (raw)

This paper explores the metaphor of sacrifice within early Christianity, focusing on its social dimensions and transformations over time. It argues that the Christian interpretation of sacrifice, rooted in the life and death of Jesus, influenced various rituals, particularly the Eucharist, while distinctively diverging from pre-Christian sacrificial customs. Additionally, the study emphasizes the significance of community structures in shaping the understanding and practice of sacrifice, suggesting a complex interplay between individual and communal identities in the context of Christian worship and theology.