Challenge
God, The Universe, and You Part 6: The Sin Eater
The practice of "sin-eating" dates back to medieval Europe. Though obscure, it is rumored to still be in practice in rural areas of Europe as well as parts of the Appalachian region in the US. If a person dies before they are able to confess their sins, food items, such as bread and ale, were placed onto the deceased. The sin-eater was hired to consume the food, therefore consuming the sins of the deceased and giving their souls access to Heaven. Despite their spiritual importance, sin-eaters were usually impoverished people, seen as outcasts, and paid mere pennies for their service. Write your take on this concept, any format, poetry or prose, fiction or otherwise.
When Eating Is a Sin
"If you eat meat on a Friday, that's a mortal sin," said the priest during Religion class.
"Who says?" I asked.
"The Church says," he replied. "And the Church is the direct extension of Jesus."
"So Jesus said you can't eat meat on Friday?"
"Not exactly. But through those he appointed to carry on his church."
"So, we don't know for sure then?" I prodded. The priest wasn't happy with me.
"That's just the way it is," he said with finality.
"Who says?" I asked again, defying finality.
"I say."
"Are you Jesus?"
"Kind of."
"Wow!" I said. And I was confused. Kind of. "I have a lot more questions, Father."
"You need to go see the principal, Sister Helena."
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