Our ancestors believed that messages could be sent to the gods via the wicker man. For those who do not know it was a cage made of branches in the form of the a man. It was consumed by fire and contained living beings, whether is was livestock (in most cases) or on rare occasion people. The act of sacrifice had many purposes. One as I mentioned above was to let the gods know that the people needed something another was to appease an angry god.
Which brings me to my discussion. Do you think that sacrifice, human or other, is a viable mode of communication and appeasement.? If not what way do you think is best.
Certainly it is viable. In the case of life and death, which were always closer in the older days, if you are asking for something that major, it might be the best way. I personally am not an advocate of a death sacrifice, human or animal. I won't attempt to make a value judgment for the people of a different time. I will say that I do not feel that it is necessary, viable or correct for this time.