Humans are creatures of habit. We do as we are taught to do, following the lines of behavior drawn for us by previous generations. These rules of behavior are called conventions. Conventions govern the way that things are done, dictate what is polite and acceptable to the members of our society. To be conventional is to do "what is generally held to be acceptable at the expense of individuality and sincerity." The concept of sacrifice is a convention deeply embedded into our society and our religion. No one questions this raw and seemingly unnecessary violence because it is within the bounds of our convention. Violence is strongly perpetuated because it is a social convention.

In the novel Black Lamb and Grey Falcon Rebecca West witnesses the ritual sacrifice of lambs. She remains at the rock of sacrifice in hopes of better understanding what she has witnessed. On page...