I strongly recommend the introduction of the RAMBAN (Nachmonides) to the
first verse of Vayikra. There, the RAMBAN sets forth plausible
explanations for sacrifices. But, as the RAMBAN is careful to point out,
the first lesson is that all commandments are divine and we must accept
them before attempting to discern reasons or underlying rationale. This is
a lesson that unfortunately gets lost sometimes in elementary education.
Once that premise is accepted, it becomes a labor of love to rationalize,
justify and explain the practice that we have accepted as Hashem's(G-d)
commandment.
In such a context, an explanation offered by the RAMBAN for sacrifices
makes much sense. G-D put us on this world to serve him. If we transgress
the least of HIS Commandments, arguably we should immediately lose our
privilege of life. A Sin-Offering is a measure of G-D's endless capacity
of mercy, to accept a sacrifice with concomitant repentance in lieu of loss
of one's life. It may be gory and unpleasant but it sure beats the
alternative. And, perhaps the "gore" is purposeful to snap the offerer's
attention back to the reality of Torah, sin-free living. Perhaps, much the
same as the Shofar pierces the Soul with sound to reawaken, the sight of a
sacrifice substituting for you on the Altar, will propel you towards better
living.