YHWH, ou, L'économie du sang

By Michel Sala

Book Description

Michel Sala presents a provocative examination of the Book of Exodus through the lens of anthropological theory, exploring the complex relationship between ancient religious practices and spiritual transformation. Drawing upon Girardian anthropology, this scholarly work investigates how sacred texts navigate the tension between evolving religious consciousness and historical ritual practices.

The author delves into the challenging question of how the Hebrew people's consecration could be understood within a framework that originally involved the sacrifice of firstborn children, particularly as these practices became condemned and replaced by animal sacrifice. Sala examines this theological and anthropological puzzle, revealing how ancient texts may have concealed certain sacrificial requirements to accommodate the changing sensibilities of religious and political authorities.

Central to this exploration is the figure of Moses, whose life the author presents as marked from birth by violence and apparent transgressions of divine law. Through this analysis, readers encounter a deeper understanding of how spiritual leadership emerges from complexity and contradiction rather than simple moral clarity.

This work offers those interested in religious studies and spiritual development an opportunity to engage with the intersection of anthropology, theology, and biblical interpretation. Sala's approach invites readers to consider how sacred narratives address fundamental questions about sacrifice, transformation, and the evolution of religious consciousness within human communities.