what is an altar

An altar is a raised structure or place that is used for sacrifice, worship, or prayer. Altars are found in various religious contexts, including shrines, temples, churches, and other places of worship. Altars can be made of different materials, including stone, earth, metal, and brick. Altars can be natural objects or man-made constructs. Altars can be used for various religious purposes, such as offering sacrifices or making offerings to gods and goddesses. Altars can also be used to commemorate an encounter with God that had a profound impact upon someone. Altars can represent a persons desire to consecrate themselves fully to the Lord. In Christianity, an altar is a structure where people make offerings to God. During the New Testament period, God sacrificed his only son Jesus on the cross, and Jesus became the sacrificial Lamb of God. In Catholic and Orthodox Christian theology, the table upon which the Eucharist is consecrated is called an altar.