Those ancients were faced with a dilemma that defied peaceful and calm resolution. They could envision only that their gods valued that which they valued, and in the same measure. If their child was of much value to them, they reasoned that it was of much value to their god. Apart from the obvious, what is significant in this situation is that it represents a dualistic value system that dominates the mind in such a fashion that it positions self against self. This is the mode of thought that is everpresent in all thought, all beliefs and all actions of each dedicated to such beliefs.
Self is the chosen victim AND chosen oppressor.