Book review: from austerity measures to suicide bombers: developing a theory of sacrifice

Austerity, martyrdom, and love all contain elements of sacrifice. But what does it mean exactly to put aside one’s personal needs for the greater good? On Sacrifice addresses the meaning of the act and the implications for those who take part and for the rest of society. Catherine Hezser considers the author’s theological examples and ultimately thinks the book offers a solid foundation for discussions of sacrifice-related terminology in political and economic discourse. On Sacrifice. Moshe Halbertal. Princeton University Press. February 2012