by Horatius Piscinus on Wed Aug 18, 2004 10:46 pm
Salvete Brute et omnes
I trust we can deal with any issue here in a more civil fashion.
For the record, I do not oppose blood sacrifices per se, if it is done properly and with respect to the animal. It was a practice of my family when I was a child. It was a practice in the tradition of the Religio Romana and if anyone wished to use it in the same manner as it was conducted traditionally then I would not argue against it. I would point out, too, that the practice is not illegal in the US, although if you did get a court to recognize your religious right to perform animal sacrifice as courts have for certain religious groups in the US, you would still risk violating local laws in most areas. However SVR has made a ruling on this subject that I fully support, and that too is strongly backed by the tradition of the Religio Romana. Also part of the tradition, which some may wish to consider, the pontifices did allow effigies of clay or bread to be substituted for sacrificial animals when someone like Varro had a religious objection to animal sacrifice. In a modern context I think the best practice is the one suggested before by our rector Romulus, Marius and myself, where one contribute to the purchase of an animal for a community in need. The address for the organization providing that service has been posted before in our collegium. Even if you are a vegetarian it is a worthy practice to consider since the animals are not used for slaughter (at least not most and you can choose what animals to purchase). It is a sacrifice for you, in keeping with Roman practices I might add, honors the Gods and our community, while providing a very worthy service to those who need it.
Valete optime
M Horatius Piscinus
Sapere aude!