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Document Details : Title: Slaughter, Fratricide and Sacrilege Subtitle: Cain and Abel Traditions in 1 John 3 Author(s): BYRON, John Journal: Biblica Volume: 88 Issue: 4 Date: 2007 Pages: 526-535 DOI: 10.2143/BIB.88.4.3189017 Abstract : Cain symbolizes the antithesis of brotherly love and stands in direct contrast to Christ. The choice of terminology used to describe the slaughter of Abel in 1 John 3,11-18 retains the ritual overtones that pervade the original story in Genesis 4. This terminology was often used to describe murders linked to a ritual act as well as fratricide. The ritual overtones in the passage emphasize the contrast with Christ. By linking those who 'hate their brothers' with Cain, the author of 1 John accused them of an act that stood in contrast to the self-sacrificial act of Christ. Hatred of others meant they were guilty of communal fratricide, which is a sacrilege. |
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