Circumcision is a procedure that has been performed for hundreds of years and for many different cultures, including those in the West and in tropical countries. In the United States, it has been extremely popular among Jewish people and is often seen as a sign of belonging in the Jewish community. Circumcision has also been linked to reducing the risk of infections and diseases. But what does the Bible say about circumcision?
The Bible has many passages specifically dealing with the topic of circumcision, both in the Old and New testament. In the Old Testament, the book of Genesis states that God told Abraham to circumcise himself and all male descendants, establishing a covenant with God which granted eternal life as well as physical and spiritual blessings. In Leviticus 12:3, circumcision is described as a “requirement of God”, while Deuteronomy states that circumcision is a “sign of the covenant” with God. Lastly, in Exodus 4:25, God asks a very general question about the practice of circumcision, implying it is a key component of faithfulness.
In the New Testament, circumcision is much less prevalent. Paul, for instance, repeatedly wrote that faith, rather than circumcision, was what God valued. In Romans 2:28-29, he even stated that circumcision is “nothing” if not of faith. Therefore, if one had faith, it did not matter if they were circumcised or not. Jesus also played a key role in the changing view of circumcision, encompassing a new way to establish a covenant with God.
Other scholars have looked into the Bible’s view on circumcision through different lenses. Some view circumcision as a sign of obedience to God, while others focus on the spiritual implications of the circumcision. There are even some who look to the New Testament’s view of circumcision, in which it was ultimately dismissed by Paul. Therefore, it is difficult to establish one unified opinion on the Bible’s stance on this delicate subject.
The Message of God In The Bible
For some in the Christian community, the Bible is the primary source of understanding when it comes to circumcision. They believe that the Word of God is the ultimate source of truth and it needs to be followed. Other believers, particularly those in the Messianic circles view circumcision as something that is meant to bring us closer to God’s plan. Still, there is diversity of opinions when it comes to circumcision.
Some believe that circumcision is a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, and should be strongly adhered to, as it is written in the Torah and other religious texts. Others view it as a spiritual symbol of God’s love, similar to Baptism and other Christian traditions. On the other hand, some theologians have taken a more liberal approach and emphasize that God’s main appreciation lies in faith and not in physical procedures such as circumcision.
In the Bible, the language is sometimes obscure and open to interpretation, so it is possible to find support in the Text for any point of view. Nevertheless, the idea that loving God requires making an effort to fulfill His will is a recurring theme throughout the Scripture. In other words, ultimately, the answers to these questions lie within each person’s spiritual journey.
Physical Benefits of Circumcision
While most theologians and believers in the Christian and Jewish faiths view circumcision as a spiritual procedure, there are several physical benefits linked to the procedure as well. Different studies have revealed that there are important medical reasons to perform circumcision, especially within newborns. The most common health benefits include a lower risk of urinary tract infections and a decreased risk of STDs, including HIV.
Furthermore, there are specific health benefits related to circumcised males. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a statement where it outlined the health benefits of circumcision for baby boys. This statement highlights the decreased risk of pre-cancerous penile skin lesions and bacterial infections, as well as the reduction in the transmission of newborn infections from their mother.
Therefore, even though circumcision is rarely discussed nowadays, it has been a traditional medical intervention for centuries and still has many benefits. It’s important to research the areas of medical research, including medical societies and journals, for a more detailed understanding of the procedure.
Ethics and Bioethics of Male Circumcision
Circumcision has been linked to ethical issues around the world. While in the United States, most circumcisions are done as a matter of choice or religious observance, in other countries and cultures it is often seen as unenlightened and barbaric. Many view it as a violation of basic human rights, as the decision of circumcision is made without the baby’s consent.
From an ethical point of view, one must consider the long-term effects of circumcision. While the procedure itself is relatively safe and has few risks, in some cases permanent damage can be done if not performed properly. With that, ethicists need to look at the possibility of a lifelong handicap or disfiguration as a consequence of the procedure. Also, some people have argued that the procedure can have a psychological effect that could have an unfathomable impact on one’s life, particularly in the case of a botched circumcision.
Lastly, biopharmics have weighed in on the debate. Specialists in the field of applied ethics have argued that the procedure should not be performed unless it is medically necessary. This means that babies should not be circumcised unless the medical benefits outweigh the potential risk.
Jewish Views On Circumcision
In contrast to ethical perspectives, there are different religious views on the topic of circumcision. Jews, for instance, generally see the procedure as a sign of submission to the will of God. According to Jewish law, Jewish boys must be circumcised on the eighth day after birth. This is also known as a bris, meaning covenant, which links this procedure to the ancient practice of Abraham.
In the Torah, it states that the purpose of circumcision is for the boy to “enter into the covenant with the Almighty”. Rabbis throughout history have often interpreted this as the boy’s willingness to enter into a covenant with God, to keep His laws and to be part of His chosen people. Therefore, to Jews, circumcision is an act of devotion and obedience to God’s word.
In modern day Judaism, the practice of circumcision is considered essential as part of Jewish identity. It is seen as an outward sign of religious commitment and of a bond to the Jewish people throughout the generations. It is also seen as a sign that the boy is now a member of the covenant between God and Abraham. Therefore, circumcision is deeply tied to the faith itself, and religious Jews consider the procedure to be mandatory for all male children.
Modern Medical and Cultural Contexts
Modern medical advancements have allowed for more accessible, safe, and ethical circumcision procedures that can be done both in hospitals and in circumcision clinics. In many religious faiths, the procedure has become more widely accepted and many medical professionals consider it a routine medical procedure.
Over the past few decades, however, more of a debate has arisen within Western societies surrounding the topic of circumcision. Many now consider the procedure not to be of a medical necessity, and so to be doubtfully ethically justified. In addition, there is an increasing movement of ‘intactivists’, people who oppose any form of circumcision and label the procedure ‘male genital mutilation’.
In the end, the modern discussion is vastly different from the original religious context that the Bible offers. While the physical and spiritual benefits of circumcision remain, the modern context of ethics and religion includes much more nuance and consideration. Ultimately, it is up to the reader to decide which conversations are relevant in today’s context and to determine the best way to approach the circumcision procedure.
