Slaughter, Fratricide and Sacrilege Cain and Abel Traditions 535 to an old story of murder. The shadow of Cain casts itself over the entire chapter. Cain is the focal point of the antithesis being made between Christ and the brother-haters. Those who love their brothers will be pure like Christ and thus will sacrifice themselves for others as Christ did. The connection of purity language in the context of a discussion of Christ’s sacrifice would have directed readers to consider the contrasting type of sacrifice Cain offered which was not of himself but his brother Abel. Cain was the ultimate example of fratricide because he hated his brother. Consequently, all those who followed Cain’s example rather than Christ’s were guilty of murder. Although they may not have physically killed their brothers, their hatred had theological implications that caused them to be viewed as offering an impure sacrifice and earned them, therefore, the title of fratricide. Ashland Theological Seminary John BYRON 910 Center Street Ashland, Ohio 44805, USA SUMMARY Cain symbolizes the antithesis of brotherly love and stands in direct contrast to Christ. The choice of terminology used to describe the slaughter of Abel in 1 John 3,11-18 retains the ritual overtones that pervade the original story in Genesis 4. This terminology was often used to describe murders linked to a ritual act as well as fratricide. The ritual overtones in the passage emphasize the contrast with Christ. By linking those who “hate their brothers” with Cain, the author of 1 John accused them of an act that stood in contrast to the self-sacrificial act of Christ. Hatred of others meant they were guilty of communal fratricide, which is a sacrilege.