"Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom." - Gospel According to Matthew, 26: 26-29
The actions of various modern cults receive fluctuating public exposure by a diverse array of media outlets. Such cults as The Mason Family, Aum Shinrikyo, Branch Davidians and Scientologists represent a variety of controversial and criminal acts which have caused repeated outcries. Ranging from mass murder to fraud, the actions of cults have gained diminishing credibility over the years. However, a recent event has further blackened public opinion on cultist activities. Friday Thirteenth of April saw the arrest of three Brazilian cult members who are accused of not only murdering a number of women, but also cannibalising them as a way of 'purifying' themselves. Bodies were located in the grounds of a house which the three suspects shared, as well as paraphernalia which indicated that why consumed human flesh to cleanse their souls. However, with all the attention and condemnation which these individuals have attracted, an interesting reminder should be sounded.
During the first centuries of the Common Era, the Roman Empire was plagued by rumours of a cult and its activities. It was said that this small group not only practised incest between its 'brothers' and 'sisters'; but that it also indulged in the consumption of flesh and blood as a rite of passage. This cult was known by its colloquial name which was derived from its supposed founder, Jesus Christ. These Christians suffered greatly at the hands of the Roman Empire until the Emperor Constantine made it the official religion of the Empire.
The reasoning behind the accusations of cannibalism can be traced back to the Christian practice of the Eucharist, where Christians consume bread and wine which is supposedly transsubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. This act represents one of the primary rituals found within all leading branches of Christianity today.
When comparing the events in Brazil and the ritualistic act within Christianity, a parallel can be drawn. Both consider the consumption of flesh to be a way of purifying their bodies, an act of spiritual acceptance and preparation. Yet the three Brazilians are said to have only selected those whom a spirit considered "bad people"; meanwhile the Eucharist represents a oneness with the Son of G_d. Though they approach the same goal, they do so from juxtaposed standpoints.
It would be more than fair to say that any act which appears to have been executed without the consent of all those involved can not ever be justified. However it is also crucial that perspective is maintained, so as to avoid needless scaremongering. The deep sense of spirituality which those arrested experienced through their cannibalism may be comparative to its figurative counterpart found in Christianity. Though the practice of Cannibalism has been all but wiped out thanks to the expansion of the Abrahamic faiths, it is far from dead. Perhaps a sense of sympathy for those condemned should be quietly fostered. The notions which it entails are still alive and well within the liturgical doctrines of the Christian churches.
