> In which case, it would be much less hypocritical if they either said it was for sanitation;
Some might and do argue that various religious taboos not that rarely served very practical purposes (at least at the time they were established). Also I wouldn’t be that eager to claim that ancient people could’ve that easily made the distinction between religious/ritual and physical purity/cleanliness like we do.
One important aspect of Christianity compared to some other religious which did survive for thousands of years to some degree was the prioritization of the spiritual world over the physical. Personal grooming, focus on one’s look or hygiene was viewed as somewhat sinful.
Some might and do argue that various religious taboos not that rarely served very practical purposes (at least at the time they were established). Also I wouldn’t be that eager to claim that ancient people could’ve that easily made the distinction between religious/ritual and physical purity/cleanliness like we do.
One important aspect of Christianity compared to some other religious which did survive for thousands of years to some degree was the prioritization of the spiritual world over the physical. Personal grooming, focus on one’s look or hygiene was viewed as somewhat sinful.