Sacrifice and Sacred Violence

Overview & Synopsis

Sacrifice has long been a central topic in scholarly debate. Since the publication of Marcel Mauss and Henri Hubert's groundbreaking work in 1898-99, the concept has gained prominence as a distinct theme in comparative religion, anthropology, and the history of religions. Throughout the twentieth century, many distinguished scholars and intellectuals examined the meaning and function of sacrifice to better understand various aspects of human cognition and social interactions. While some explored its connections to violence—particularly forms of self-inflicted violence, such as martyrdom—others sought to disentangle the concept from violent practices altogether. Building on this rich tradition, this collection of articles gathers contributions from leading scholars who explore the theme of sacrifice, examining its diverse meanings and roles across various religious traditions. While the book places particular emphasis on the history of Christianity and the early modern period, it also provides valuable insights into a broad spectrum of religious traditions, including Judaism, Islam, Greek and ancient religions, as well as Japanese religions. Its geographical scope spans regions such as India, China, Africa, and Brazil, offering a truly global perspective.By mapping the varied interpretations and transformations of sacrifice in the early modern period, this book seeks to illuminate its evolving significance. It also strives to offer a comparative framework that highlights the concept's complexity and adaptability across cultural and historical contexts.