We present in this issue the topic #141 from the Systematized Study of the Spiritist Doctrine, that is being presented weekly, according to the programme elaborated by the Brazilian Spiritist Federation (FEB), structured in 6 modules and 147 topics.

If the reader uses this program for a study group, we suggest that questions proposed be discussed freely before the reading of the text that follows. If you would like to study alone, we ask you to try to answer the questions at first and only then read the text that follows. The answer key can be found at the end of the lesson. 

Questions 

1. According to the etymology, which means the word sacrifice?

2. Paying the tithe is a modern form of sacrifice?

3. The practice that the performance of religious sacrifices is generally related?

4. How the Spiritism sees the practice of mortification?

5. What is, according to Christian teaching, the true penance? 

Text

The stated purpose of sacrifice varies among different cultures 

1. The word sacrifice has, according to etymology, the meaning to "do something sacred." In its original meaning, and only religious, is an offering that is made to the deity by means of rituals. The offering may be represented by a person by an animal or a plant products or other objects. 

2. Important to make distinction between the religious concept of the term and its popular conception. Thus, in the religious aspect, in addition to the characteristic of the ritual, it is understood that the sacrifice is consumed by the deity. Tasks that certain religions require their followers, such as the payment of tithes, there are sacrifices, but the rules of religious practice. 

3. The stated purpose of sacrifice varies widely between different cultures. By extension, it can be considered a voluntary resignation or deprivation of something, such as deprivation of useless pleasures, which the Doctrine considers meritorious act, because it gives off the tax man and elevate your soul.  

4. Resist the temptation to drag the excess or the enjoyment of the stuff, take what we have to give in need of a lot, do good to our neighbors - these are some practices that have great merit in the list of so-called voluntary deprivation. 

Some religions require the mortification for the remission of sins

5. The acting of religious sacrifices is generally related to the mortification and penance. The verb is synonymous with mortify afflict, harass, punish, macerate the body with penances. Mortification occurs due to regret or pain resulting from sin.  

6. In the light of repentance, some religious authorities to impose a penalty sorry for the forgiveness of your sins, punishment that represented by fasting, prayers, maceration of the body and so many mortifications attaching to external manifestations of worship. 

7. In his book "Evangelical Elucidations" Sayão examines the subject of "penance" and stated that this practice is, according to some religions, necessary that the sinner does not want to aggravate his guilt and become therefore more liable to punishment.  

8. Penance, as employed by Jesus, but is not in seclusion in cloisters, in hair shirts and other material tribulations. It is the sincere and deep regret and firm resolve that the creature is placed not to make to commit faults which dragged the miserable human condition and endeavor to fix them. 

Weaken the body without the need is real suicide

9. The Spirit penitent - Sayão asserts - "absorb it all in prayer and vigilance that Jesus and recommended forming a rampart as the waves of passion that sends us into the abyss of misery." 

10. Talking about the mortification and their merit, superior spirits advise: "Try to know what it takes." "If only serves to those who practice it and prevents it from doing good, is selfishness, whatever the pretext that understand the color it. Denying yourself and work for others, as the true mortification, in Christian charity." (L.E., 721.) 

11. Weaken the body of unnecessary hardship and maceration aimless, torturing and tormenting the body material voluntarily acts that are clearly contrary to the law of God, as to weaken the vehicle body without true suicide.

12. In order to curry favor or to please God or the Good Spirits, some people take certain actions or to impose certain hardships they call promising. However, the promises have already had their day and now is the time away from superstitious impositions of theocracy. In his reign he succeeded the empire of intelligence and reason, only unshakeable foundation of faith informed and active. Sacrifice, mortification and promises are, therefore, material manifestations of the external worship, practiced by people still far from spiritual truths.

Answer Key

1. According to the etymology, which means the word sacrifice? 

In its etymological sense, sacrifice means doing something sacred. " In its original meaning and religious, is an offering that is made to the deity by means of rituals, which can be represented by one person, an animal or a plant products or other objects. 

2. Paying the tithe is a modern form of sacrifice? 

No. Certain tasks that certain religions require their followers, such as the payment of tithes, there are sacrifices, but the rules of religious practice. 

3. The practice that the performance of religious sacrifices is generally related? 

The performance of religious sacrifices is generally related to the mortification and penance. 

4. How the Spiritism sees the practice of mortification? 

Talking about the dying and their merit, superior spirits advise: "Try to know what it takes." If only serves to those who practice it and prevents it from doing good, is selfishness, whatever the pretext that understand the color it. Denying yourself and work for others, as the true mortification, in Christian charity. 

5. What is, according to Christian teaching, the true penance? 

Penance, as employed by Jesus, is not in seclusion in cloisters, in hair shirts and other material tribulations. It is the sincere and deep regret and firm resolve that the creature is placed not to make to commit faults which dragged the miserable human condition and endeavor to fix them. 

 

Bibliography: 

The Spirits’ Book, Allan Kardec, questions 720 to 726.

The Gospel According to Spiritism, Allan Kardec, cap. V, item 26.

Evangelical Elucidations, Antônio Luiz Sayão, pp. 143 to 145 and 465.

Dictionary of Social Sciences, Benedicto Silva and others, p. 1094.

Dictionary of Moral Theology, Cardenal Francesco Roberti, p. 816.