Transformative Negation: Bruce Lincoln And Nancy Jay

Vincent DeMaria
Professor Blunt
REL 310
4 May 2023

Transformative Negation: Bruce Lincoln and Nancy Jay
In his analysis of ancient Greek fantasies about the ritually violent lives of others, Bruce Lincoln challenges traditional theories of sacrifice that attempt to maintain its benevolent function. Lincoln contends that such theories oversimplify and overlook the violent nature of sacrifice in ancient Greek society. According to him, these fantasies are not just mere depictions of ritual violence but are the product of deeply ingrained cultural beliefs and practices. In this paper, we will explore Lincoln's critique of sacrifice and the evidence he marshals to support it. Furthermore, we will compare his analysis with that of Nancy Jay, who

Jay believes that “sacrifice is a process that achieves social differentiation” (370). She argues that the ritualized violence of sacrifice is a way for humans to assert their dominance over the natural world and, in particular, over women's reproductive capabilities. This idea of domination over lineage is particularly evident in societies where women are viewed as the primary agents of reproduction, as the act of sacrifice becomes a way to overcome the limitations imposed by the maternal

Sacrifice is often intertwined with religion, politics, and social hierarchy, and serves as a means of reinforcing these structures. The violent act of sacrifice is not only a way to appease the gods, but also a way for those in power to assert their dominance over others. Through sacrificial practices, societies often justify the oppression and marginalization of certain groups, and reinforce the status quo. Thus, the study of sacrifice provides insights into the larger cultural and societal structures that shape and are shaped by this practice.
Nancy Jay claims that sacrifice is used to diminish the power of childbearing women. Jay states that “sacrificing can identify, and maintain through time, not only social structures… but also other forms of male to male succession” (378-379). This allows sacrificial ritual to warrant the creation of patrileanal descent as the principle of social organization. Jay’s work shows how the act of sacrifice can shape, change, or maintain societal norms and