Circumcision, is it a good thing? Is it really mandated by God?

[Subduction Zone]

If a rational adult wants to modify their body, fair enough.
If there is a medical reason circumcision is needed, fair enough
For circumcision to be imposed an infant in the name of "that's the way it is" is barbaric

But, but, if you wait until they are adults almost no one will do it.

And that of course is the point.

 

[Revoltingest]

I think that when our leaders talk about us being 'the greatest nation on earth,' or talk about what liberty supposedly means, or 'individual sovereignty,' they might be participating in a similar sort of teleological method that any ancient nation took, that is said to have an idiosyncratic religion. These to me, seem like metaphysical claims , if they be unique claims , possibly. Therefore , could it be that the populace is participating in spirituality it might not be fully aware of

This "worship" isn't of the supernatural.
It seems that "worship" means to hold in very high regard.
"Religion" would be a metaphor.

 

[Revoltingest]

But, but, if you wait until they are adults almost no one will do it.

And that of course is the point.

That's not the point. The choice doesn't matter.
Only that it will be a choice freely made by one mentally capable.

 

[Koldo]

I am not so certain it is the same. It was conceded that the benefits outweigh the harm or at least equal the harm. Can the same be said for tattoos.

Absolutely. The harm is minimal (depending on the part of the body) and a tattoo, when drawn properly, looks cool. The benefit is, at least, equal to the harm.

 

[amorphous_constellation]

It was conceded that the benefits outweigh the harm or at least equal the harm.

conceded by whom.. who's the wizard beyond the curtain here

 

[ADigitalArtist]

A decision best left to the parents. Not parenting the best doesn't necessarily mean bad parenting.

This is one of those things I don't think parents should weigh in on, like other body autonomy issues. Such as tattooing an infant. If they want it for cultural or spiritual reasons, they can get it as an adult.

Edit: sorry didn't see this point was already talked about before making this post. Still, I think it's an apt comparison.

 

[ADigitalArtist]

Its not cutting off the penis so comparing it to cutting a female breasts off is a little extreme.
I was circumcised as an infant. I have never had a problem. But I can only speak for myself.

What makes one extreme but not the other? You might not have missed it, but the sensitivity of uncircumcised penis is much higher, and serves other functions for the penis. An infant who had a breast removed would grow to not miss it, too.

 

[firedragon]

As I pointed out, some adherents of FGM do claim a
religious basis. But this raises questions....
- Is a cultural basis any less cromulent than a religious basis.
- Is a religious basis justification for any denial of bodily
autonomy for a person who hasn't given consent?

Could you please quote the exact scripture they claim it with?

 

[firedragon]

It was a sign of being in a covenant with God which started with Abraham. So why the penis? It was to show the covenant is not just for you but your seed. Your offspring were holy also and also partakers of the covenant. In my view all this was looking forwards to the coming of Christ who would be the "holy seed" of Israel. So circumcision was showing the holiness of Israel until the promised seed came for which they were made holy in the first place.

But now since he(Jesus) came; there is a new Covenant which means circumcision has served it's purpose. I was circumcised as a child but it wasn't my choice. Now in the new Covenant circumcision is meant to be within the heart as in Deuteronomy 10:16 and Jeremiah 4:4. It means to not be stubborn and do the will of God from the heart.

The new Testament discourages outward displays of holiness because it tends to make people proud. It reasons that if you are holy within; then God will know it. Does that mean you sinned because you were circumcised or had your children circumcised? Not my place to say that. Paul does say if you get circumcised then Christ profits you nothing. (Galatians 5:2) But I think in that case the Galatians thought they must be circumcised in order to be saved. So they were basically replacing Jesus with circumcision. But, if your motivation for circumcision is not "salvation" then maybe what Paul says doesn't apply to you. But for myself I would avoid circumcising my children because there is no longer a point to it.

Since you dont believe in circumcision anymore maybe this thread doesnt apply to you. Yet, thanks for that explanation.

 

[Revoltingest]

Could you please quote the exact scripture they claim it with?

I know no scripture.
(Severe religious ignorance here.)
But it's been argued that at least one exists.

 

[firedragon]

I view circumcision as genital mutilation, so I certainly don't think God demands it.

How do you think circumcision entered the Tanakh?

 

[Subduction Zone]

That's not the point. The choice doesn't matter.
Only that it will be a choice freely made by one mentally capable.

I guess I needed a sarchasm sign.

 

[firedragon]

Male circumcisions pros and cons...

Circumcision Benefits
There is some evidence that circumcision has health benefits, including:

• Less risk of urinary tract infections
• A reduced risk of some sexually transmitted diseases in men
• Protection against penile cancer and a lower risk of cervical cancer in female sex partners
• Prevention of balanitis (inflammation of the glans) and balanoposthitis (inflammation of the glans and foreskin)
• Prevention of phimosis (the inability to retract the foreskin) and paraphimosis (the inability to return the foreskin to its original location)

Circumcision Risks
Like any other surgical procedure, there are risks in getting circumcision. But this risk is low. Problems linked to circumcision include:

• Pain
• Risk of bleeding and infection at the site of the circumcision
• Irritation of the glans
• Higher chance of meatitis (inflammation of the opening of the penis)
• Risk of injury to the penis

Circumcision Basics


The scientific evidence indicates that the health benefits of newborn male circumcision outweigh the risks, it adds. This is a stronger statement regarding the medical benefits of circumcision than was included in the 1999 statement, reflecting the scientific evidence that has emerged since then.

Female genital cutting is mutilation and is not circumcision. The scientific evidence of female genital cutting indicates only harm and no health benefits.

Greater Benefits of Infant Circumcision

I watched a documentary that had different and severe repercussions as an unnatural practice. But thanks for this information.

 

[We Never Know]

What makes one extreme but not the other? You might not have missed it, but the sensitivity of uncircumcised penis is much higher, and serves other functions for the penis. An infant who had a breast removed would grow to not miss it, too.

Never said I missed it. Said I've had no problems. As for sensitivity, I wouldn't know what a noncircumcised person feels nor they know what I feel. Through my years I have had a very active sex life that was a lot of fun with no complaints.

 

[firedragon]

I know no scripture.
(Severe religious ignorance here.)
But it's been argued that at least one exists.

I didnt understand. At least one exists?

 

[We Never Know]

I watched a documentary that had different and severe repercussions as an unnatural practice. But thanks for this information.

Im sure its depends on who does it and to what extent.

 

[Revoltingest]

I didnt understand. At least one exists?

Post #4 is one claim.
There could be more.

 

[firedragon]

Post #4 is one claim.
There could be more.

Lets say a country like Eritrea!! What religious practice do they claim for FGM??

 

[Revoltingest]

Lets say a country like Eritrea!! What religious practice do they claim for FGM??

I don't know.

 

[firedragon]

I don't know.

Which country do you know of where their religious claim to FGM is known to you?