Scapegoat

The scapegoat was a goat that was driven off into the wilderness as part of the ceremonies of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, in Judaism during the times of the Temple in Jerusalem. The rite is described in Leviticus 16. The word also refers, in modern parlance, to one who is blamed for misfortunes, often as a way of distracting attention from the real causes.

Christian view

In Christian theology, the story of the scapegoat in Leviticus is interpreted as a symbolic prefiguation of the self-sacrifice of Jesus, who takes the sins of humanity on his own head, having been driven into the 'wilderness' outside the city by order of the high priests.

Related Topics:
Christian - Theology - Jesus

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Some Christians believe that rather than representing Jesus, the scapegoat represented Satan. Leviticus 16:8: "And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat." They believe that after the goat "for the Lord" had symbolically atoned for the sins of the people, the sins were placed on the scapegoat (who represented Satan). In the end of time, they believe the sins of the world will be placed on Satan as a final punishment - not because he can offer atonement, which Christ has already done, but so he can be punished for being the instigator of sin.

Related Topics:
Satan - Lord

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