article by Darris McNeely
Of all ancient practices of pagan religion, the most hideous were those that involved child sacrifice.
A child being offered as a sacrifice to a Molech idol.
Source: Wikimedia Commons - 1897 Bible Pictures and What They Teach Us: Containing 400 Illustrations from the Old and New Testaments
In the lands of the Middle East and areas around the Mediterranean Sea, this involved the ritual murder of children, often in fire and presided over by a priesthood with the approval of the worshippers.
A child could be placed on an open fire or into an open burning chasm of a metal idol representing gods such as Baal or Molech. Done to appease a god and to gain favor for an abundant harvest, victory in battle or the defeat of one's enemies, these cruel acts litter the ancient world.
