Guilt, Shame, Jesus Blood, Vampirism?

Guilt, Shame & Jesus' Blood Dear Sir. We are writing you on behalf of your text called "His Blood Be Upon Us" (March 28, 1999). We are two Danish students who are working on our final exam in Philosophy on the University of Aarhus/Denmark. We would like you to explain a few more aspects of the topic "Guilt/Sin"... And also you talk of "receiving Jesus´ blood upon us"..Is there not a hint of Vampirism in that, and the eternal guilt that crushes you to the ground, and forces you to get on your knees, looking at God with fear?... Also if you have more material on the topic "Guilt" (articles, places in the Bible etc.) we would be very thankful. We have alot of questions, and if you are willing to help us out we would be very grateful. That will be all for now. Sincerely. Mikkel Terp-Hansen Morten Weiland Moffa **********

Dear Mikkel & Morten,

Thank you for your important questions. In fact, I cannot think of more basic questions than the ones you are asking.

First about guilt: as you intimate, it can put a distance between us and God. Many are reluctant to approach God because of the shame they feel. In reality that shame is in all of us although we live an age with many devices which enable us to hide from it--or at least try to. Nevertheless guilt or shame can be positive ("self-esteem" gurus notwithstanding) . It reveals to us what our true situation is.

Secondly, I have to say I like the direct way you ask about "vampirism." Such a blunt question can help us avoid over-spiritualizing Jesus' Blood. It's not just a metaphor. Otherwise why would he have said, "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed."? (John 6:53ff.) There is more. In fact if you go to: Bible Gateway and type in blood, guilt, shame, etc. you will find hundreds of references.

Good luck, Mikkel and Morten. Let me know how your project goes. Meanwhile my prayers that this be more than an academic exercise for you.

God bless,

Fr. Phil Bloom