In the ancient Old Testament and Book of Mormon people were closer to the process of meat production and consumption. People typically lived with the animals they would eventually eat. Killing animals was a ritualized, sacred activity to be shared in a community and culminating in a feast attended by family, priests and God. Although we are no longer required to make animal sacrifices, the meaning is retained today. The weekly sacred meal that we call the sacrament represents the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. In turn, the sacrifice of his flesh and blood meant that the flesh and blood of animals were no longer required