Leviticus, and the origin of Catholic guilt

Having tackled Leviticus, I'll say it's all it was built up to be. But I have found some points of interest in the first few chapters already, also known as things that make me laugh.

5:3 "Or when you touch human uncleanness—any uncleanness by which one can become unclean—and are unaware of it, when you come to know it, you shall be guilty."

This is amazing descriptive language, courtesy of P. And very ambiguous. If you don't know, you're fine, but if you find out 10 years down the road, you're screwed. Especially if you can't afford a sheep and you can't find any turtledoves or pigeons.

5:15 "When any of you commit a trespass and sin unintentionally in any of the holy things of the Lord, you shall bring, as your guilt offering to the Lord, a ram without blemish from the flock, convertible into silver by the sanctuary shekel; it is a guilt offering."

First of all, great alliteration! P truly impresses me. More importantly, this is the beginning of a whole section on "guilt offerings," which I can only assume to be the origin of Catholic guilt. I can't think of a better explanation, actually — something you don't intend to do and maybe don't know is a sin at the time can still create plenty of guilt later. I was raised Catholic, so I find this rather fascinating. Even though I'm not religious anymore, I know the feeling all too well. I suppose in lieu of animal sacrifices, people are supposed to give money to the church these days...another reason for me not to practice Catholicism.

With that, I will continue my spiritual journey.