Human sacrifice as offering in certain central rites

What it is: Human sacrifice was practiced in important ritual contexts of the Aztec system.

How the tradition understands it: The offering of human lives could feed the sun, rain, gods of war, and acts of political consecration.

Textual basis and context: Colonial sources, archaeology, and modern syntheses confirm its occurrence.

Objections and debates: There is debate about scale, frequency, and relative emphasis of these practices in colonial sources.

Supportive

Muslim Brotherhood

muslim-brotherhood,islam,politics,egypt

Muslim Brotherhood articulates political Islam.

Reference: Muslim Brotherhood and its history.
Content: Movement founded by Hassan al-Banna in Egypt in 1928; combines Islamic principles with political action; spread to many countries; has generated affiliated movements; remains controversial.
Use in debate: Source to discuss political Islam, contemporary dynamics, and Arab Spring.

Ramadan in Islam

ramadan,islam,fasting,spirituality

Ramadan is month of fasting in Islam.

Reference: Ramadan in Islamic tradition.
Content: Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar; Muslims fast from dawn to sunset; month ends with Eid al-Fitr; is period of prayer, reflection, and charity.
Use in debate: Source to discuss Islamic liturgy, fasting, and spirituality.

Contrary

Soka Gakkai in Japan

soka-gakkai,nichiren,buddhism,japan

Soka Gakkai is Buddhist movement of Japanese origin.

Reference: Soka Gakkai International and its history.
Content: Buddhist movement based on Nichiren tradition; emphasizes value creation, peace, and education; spread worldwide; is one of largest Buddhist movements in contemporary world.
Use in debate: Source to discuss contemporary Buddhism, Japanese religion, and new religious movements.