Posted by Jeffry Lee on March 26, 2001 at 09:43:15:
I am hoping to find someone who can provide me with information pertaining to the theological origins of the mighty, though mysterious, goat. Specifically I am dreadfully curious about their connection to Paganism.
I have repeatedly noticed the involvement of goats- such as goat masks and goat-fur robes, as well as the use of goat skulls and goat's blood- in Pagan rituals. I will also assume that it is no coincidence that similar goat iconography is rampant in heavy metal artwork. My question is, where did the goat go astray?
Is there some theological explanation for these anti-christian activities? An ill-mannered kid in the Garden of Eden perhaps? A treacherous old billy on Noah's famed Ark? I know there was a goat in the manger of my grammy's nativity scene . . . though it might have been a sheep when I now think of it.
Shamefully, I will admit that I am only vaguely familiar with the bible, and so I am hoping that someone proficient on the subject may curb my curiosity. Thank you to anyone who could get back to me, your insights could take my research to new levels of enlightenment!