Exactly Rich, the Aztec model is what we call the ‘archaic sacred”, that is violent scapegoating to appease a wrathful, vengeful god. The Hebrew Scriptures give us another model through the prophets who cry out for forgiveness and reconciliation, not ‘burnt offerings’. James teaches us just that, despite the fact that non-violent atonement has been great misunderstood over the centuries. I think we are witnessing the Gospel working in history. You express all this very well.
