A serious question

[Dana]

Hi members:

I have thought long and hard how to ask the questions I would like to ask, while being careful to be very respectful of everyone's beliefs. 

I am a Christian, something that I believe I was always be. I also have a very keen interest in Jewish beliefs especially since Christianity has a Jewish foundation although I respect the fact that Jewish beliefs do not allow Jesus as the messiah. And I am sorry if at any time I do not use the right wording- as I may not be acquainted with specific terminology used here. 

As part of my beliefs, I have been re-reading the Hebrew Bible which we, as you probably know, we refer to as The Old Testament. I'm not saying this for any other purpose than to just state a fact.

What struck me as I made my way through Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus is the abundance of animal sacrifice and burnt offerings. With all due respect (and please understand that what I am about to ask, also causes an issue for Christianity as well), these practices struck me more as a man made thing than  of a God directed set of instructions/directions.

I know that may sound terrible to some,. and it sounds terrible to me as well, but this has troubled me.

I am wondering if anyone can explain how we can think of this issue. Do we just accept it as recounted. Is it wrong to wonder what that is all about and how a burnt offering aroma can be pleasing to the Lord?

Please understand, I am not raising this issue in any adverse form whatsoever. My beliefs are taking a bit of a hit, and I am just reaching out for wisdom or opinions. This is the first time I have had he courage to ask this and I ask it in all sincerity. .

Thank-you for your time, understanding and expertise.

WS

Hello Charles.

Good questions! What I have to offer is opinion, not expertise,  with a little personal experience. Clearly, the way Christianity and Judaism think on this issue are not the same, as you already know.

I've always thought that within most of Christianity the animal sacrifices of the Torah were believed to be G-d given.  From the biblical approach of dispensationalism, the promises were given to Abraham followed by the Law for Moses, which would lead to the era of grace when the final blood sacrifice would be of a man dieing on the cross.

Several New Testament verses speak  specifically about the Law and sacrifices no longer being necessary, but they served a purpose.  Hebrews 10:4 - It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins, and, the book of Galatians is about living in faith while the Law was given by G-d to act as a schoolmaster or guardian.

I only bring this up because the sacrifice of Jesus, according to Christianity, would not make sense without the history and instruction of animal sacrifices first. It would seem the animal sacrifices of the "OT" then would make for an essential part of the Christian story.