What was the purpose of sacrifice in animistic traditions?
(A) To control the physical environment
(B) To diminish fertility
(C) To worship God
(D) To forgive sins - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2008 - Paper 1
Question 14
What was the purpose of sacrifice in animistic traditions?
(A) To control the physical environment
(B) To diminish fertility
(C) To worship God
(D) To forgive si... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:What was the purpose of sacrifice in animistic traditions?
(A) To control the physical environment
(B) To diminish fertility
(C) To worship God
(D) To forgive sins - HSC - SSCE Studies of Religion - Question 14 - 2008 - Paper 1
Step 1
To control the physical environment
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Answer
This option suggests that sacrifices were made primarily to exert influence over nature and the surrounding environment. In animistic traditions, controlling natural elements like weather often required appeasing the spirits through rituals.
Step 2
To diminish fertility
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Answer
This option implies sacrifices were aimed at reducing fertility, which contradicts many animistic beliefs that value fertility and abundance as blessings. Hence, this is unlikely to be the purpose.
Step 3
To worship God
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Answer
While sacrifices might involve helping to worship higher powers or deities, in animistic traditions, the concept of a singular 'God' is often replaced by reverence towards nature and its spiritual entities.
Step 4
To forgive sins
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Answer
This option suggests a ritualistic approach focused on atonement. However, animistic beliefs do not always focus on sin in the same manner as some organized religions. Thus, while forgiveness might be a part of some practices, it is not the central purpose.
