The Pillars: Jerusalem, Athens, and the Western Mind D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths II: The Meaning of Covenant and Sacrifice
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Nov 7, 2024 Explore the clash between pagan sacrifice and biblical covenant in a fascinating discussion. Discover how the cult of Dionysus bridges Greek and Roman thought toward the concept of covenant. Delve into the contrasting aversions to human sacrifice in Jewish and Greek traditions. Unveil the prophetic obligations of Greek gods versus the flexibility of the biblical God. Finally, examine the rich mythological narratives of innocence and sacrifice, including the stories of Andromeda and the binding of Isaac, revealing differing cultural perspectives.
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Sacrifice and Covenant Contrast
- Greek sacrifice tries to appease gods temporarily, unlike Jewish sacrifice which is about covenantal life commitment.
- Jews see sacrifice as dedicating themselves to God, not a bribe or exchange.
Dionysus and Mortal-Divine Link
- Dionysus illustrates a rare Greek motif where a mortal becomes a god, pointing towards bridging heaven and earth.
- Jewish covenant differs by offering a connection to God for mortals without becoming immortal gods.
Contrasting Divine Promises
- Greek gods keep promises as a matter of honor and power but are generally untrustworthy.
- Biblical God is covenantal, making reliable, unbreakable promises binding forever to the Jewish people.
