Answer to Question #286817 in History for rma

Question

1-    In Ray Kerkhove’s article “Dark Religion? Aztec Perspectives on Human Sources,” he refutes certain explanations of the practice of human sacrifice. 

  Mention two theories that Kerkhove does not agree with.

How does Kerkhove read the Aztec practice of human sacrifice? Explain two views he describes in his essay along with the evidence he provides for each one.

Answer 1

Kerkhove refutes various theories surrounding human sacrifice, these include sacrifice as a rite and sacrifice as an honourable event for the noblemen and the great lords. In his view, the sacrifices were inappropriate, he provided many opinions to explain his position about the sacrifices. First, he viewed the practice as a way of humiliating humankind, the priests and the Lords practised human sacrifice as a final punishment for the slaves. Secondly, he viewed the practice as a deceiving practise where people were made to believe that human sacrifice was acceptable and a mandatory rite in the society for the gods.