Last week we discussed the idea of “sacrifice” in the Bible. It’s in the Cain and Abel story (Genesis 4).

Sacrifice can mean many things. Some examples are an offering to God, giving something away or trading for something of more value (like a sacrifice play in baseball). Last week we offered an online poll with seven options to choose what sacrifice means to you.

The majority of voters, 53%, chose Option 3: “The death of Jesus is the only sacrifice required for my atonement.”

This might appear to indicate that charity is not important. OC4truth gave us a post to correct that view. “… Ephesians 2:8-10 covers it in 1 passage: 1. Salvation is by grace through faith. 2. It is not as a result of works so that no one can boast (hence the choice of #3). 3. As Christians we are created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God has prepared in advance…”

Many commenters don’t accept this Christian belief. Jwdixon66 , for example, asked: “Tell me exactly what sacrifice an all knowing, all powerful god made by agreeing to being sacrificed on the cross?. ..”

The next largest group, 21 percent, chose Option 5: “I use my resources to support charity and justice, not organized religion.”

A new reader, Passat, explained this choice: “I find most organized religions to be 90% to 95% human-constructed-balderdash and less than 10% relationship to God, and therefore not meriting any participation or support.”

Mensarino said: “Option 5 …#7 dodges the question and #6 is reserved for the likes of Ayn Rand and Gordon Gekko.”

A smaller group of 8 percednt chose Option 4:” I think prayer and service are what God requires of us.” I am surprised this number is so small. I would have expected that more liberal Christians, Jews and those of other religions would select this option.

A few readers, totaling 5 percent, opted for 6: “What’s mine is mine, and I feel no obligation to share with those who are needy.” Irvinknight explained his vote for this with a citation from author Ayn Rand. She said “My views on charity are very simple. I do not consider it a major virtue and, above all, I do not consider it a moral duty. There is nothing wrong in helping other people, if and when they are worthy of the help and you can afford to help them. I regard charity as a marginal issue. What I am fighting is the idea that charity is a moral duty and a primary virtue.” Irvinknight added “…Ayn Rand would have picked #6 as the option that most closely represents her views. I don’t see anything wrong with this thinking…”

Another group of 5 percent couldn’t find their opinion in one of the choices I offered. They selected Option 7: None of the above reflects my opinion.

Feralsoc said:” … My own belief includes your Options 3, as well as 4 and 5. When the church practices charity and supports justice, then organized religion is not so toxic as it is capable of … I think these options are all intertwined.”

For me, the words charity and sacrifice are overlapping in their meanings but not always the same. Many who commented don’t agree. Failboat objected to linking these two words. He said: “I don’t consider giving to a charity to be a sacrifice. If I donate to a charity, it is because the charity is doing something I would like to do or have done. In return for my payment, the charity performs that work. I could use the money for some other purpose of mine, but in both cases I am getting what I want.”

Ofthisworld said:…I think the choices on your poll are screwed up because a selection such a #3 “Jesus atoned for my sins” has absolutely nothing to do with charity to others. …”

A still smaller group, 4 percent, chose Option 2: “I want to see the Jerusalem Temple rebuilt and animal sacrifice resumed.” There may be more who want this Temple rebuilt, but were uncomfortable because of the link to restoring animal sacrifice.

Finally, 3 percent voted for Option 1: “Animal sacrifice is a good way to increase one’s piety.”

TimscavoO said “I do not believe in Islam, but honestly YES. I have to agree with that singular statement, sacrifice encourages piety. That’s why it’s more blessed to give than receive.”

My thanks to all of you who commented and who voted. It’s always fascinating how we disagree and how hard it is to communicate with words. I invite you to read the unedited version of the conversation, and to contribute your own vote and your own opinion.

I am looking forward to seeing the conversation and the poll continue this week.