I seem to recall hearing that the Rambam stated somewhere that animal sacrifices were not necessary from G-d's point of view, but that He decided to institute them because of what the Israelites were used to. Anyone know which text this is or if I've miss attributed it?
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1See the comments to http://judaism.stackexchange.com/q/52743/5323 – MTL Jan 29 '15 at 04:56
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2@Shokhet These comments about the Rambam's view (moved to chat) are relevant. – Fred Jan 29 '15 at 06:41
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@Fred Oh, I didn't even see those. I was referring to the ones that are currently under the question. Thanks! – MTL Jan 29 '15 at 14:09
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The Rambam writes as much in Moreh Nevochim 3:32. It is slightly expanded upon in 3:46.
As an aside, it should be considered with the Rambam at the end of Hilchos Me'ila, which many understand to be a contradiction to that. (For a brief discussion of this point, see here, although it's far from a complete treatment of the issue.)
