Ritualised cannibalism

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Originally posted by Metatron:
South american headhunters believe that by eating the heart of a slain foe they gain his courage.

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Some christian sects believe that by eating the blood and body of christ they gain his holiness.

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I can't detect a difference.

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I think what you are referring to here Metatron is transsubstantiation - a theory accepted by Rome in 1215 in which they believe that the elements (the bread and wine) actually transform into the the body of Christ. My knowledge of which Christian sects you might be referring to is limited, but I do know that this is a teaching of at least the Roman Catholic Church which I have noticed you have mentioned before. It is not supported by Scripture.Jesus served the elements to his disciples saying, "This do in rememberance of Me." His purpose? To illustrate that He is the true substitute for the Passover Lamb, but also as a sacrifice in accordance with other OT analogies. When believers celebrate what is commonly known as Communion (or the Lord's Supper) it is done in rememberance of what He has done, and in awaiting His return not to gain His holiness.

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Originally posted by Metatron:
Then why refer to it as the "blood and body"?.

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You know what Metatron? I get the feeling that you really don't care ... have a nice day.

In the gospel of John, Jesus says he is the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, and the true vine. It is obvious that Jesus is speaking in metaphors to help us to understand His relationship to us and ours to Him. In the same way, he uses the bread and the wine to symbolize that his body will be broken, and his blood poured out. Our eating the bread, and drinking the wine symbolizes our participation in his death. Did we die physically? NO! Do we cannabalize the body of Jesus? NO! Like all (at least I think all) of the Jewish festivals, food is incorporated in the celebration, symbolizing what God has done.