The Bible makes several references to the practice of circumcision. It was the most important part of God’s covenant with Abraham, and the people descended from him. In addition, it was the subject of debate among early Christian community members, as documented in New Testament.
Here are details of what the Bible says about circumcision:
What exactly is circumcision?
The surgical cutting of the skin that covers the end of the penis is known as circumcision. In some regions of the globe, such as the United States of America, the operation is considered fairly standard practice for newborn males.
After the neonatal period, it is feasible to do the circumcision, although it is a more complicated surgery. The act of circumcision is considered a religious rite in certain communities.
The practice may also be observed due to personal cleanliness, as a long-standing custom within the family, or as a kind of preventative medical treatment. However, some people believe that circumcision is an unneeded or even disfiguring practice.
MORE:
- Non-denominational Churches
- Norse Gods and Goddesses
- Old Testament vs New Testament
- Roman Catholic vs. Lutheran
- Roman Gods & Goddesses
What does the Bible say about circumcision?
The act of circumcision is not without its share of backlash in the real world. Some parents decide to circumcise their boys so their offspring would have the same appearance as the rest of the men in their society.
Some parents are worried that their kid will one day be in the locker room and discover that he is different from others. However, the practice of circumcision is not typical among other cultural groups.
Whether or not circumcision positively affects health is hotly debated among medical professionals. Regarding this matter, parents with such worries should see a physician as soon as possible.
“The act of circumcision served as a sign of the covenant that was made with Abraham. Just before Isaac was born, God instructed Abraham to circumcise all of the men in his family, involving himself, Ishmael, & his slaves. This included the act of circumcising Isaac” (Gen. 17:1-14).
This was meant to be a standard operating procedure. On the 8th day after birth, a male baby born to the family was required to undergo the circumcision ritual.
More verses from the Bible
“During their time in Egypt, Jews experienced profound assimilation into Egyptian culture as well as Egyptian religious activity” (Jos. 24:14).
“And along with it, the custom of circumcision certainly went the way of the dodo bird. On the other hand, the practice was revived on the sides of the Jordan not long after Israel had completed its crossing of the river, but before the commencement of the takeover of Canaan” (Joshua 5:2-9).
“And He made a covenant with him based on circumcision, and so Abraham had become the father of Isaac, and Isaac was circumcised on the 8th day, and Isaac had become the father of Jacob, & Jacob was the first of the twelve patriarchs, and Abraham became the father of all twelve patriarchs.” (Acts 7:8)
Conclusion
Everyone has their own interpretation of what the circumcision ritual entails. Some people consider it to be, and it continues to be, a rite of passage to adulthood.
Others may see it as nothing more than a routine medical procedure. On the other hand, for the Jews, it was and still is a symbol of the covenant God had made with them.
However, physical circumcision is not considered to have any spiritual or theological significance by Christians. Baptism is the practice that most closely resembles the physical act of circumcision that they have access to. Baptism is seen by some people precisely in this manner as a symbol of their covenant connection with God.
MORE:
- Do You Have To Be Baptized To Go To Heaven?
- Gayatri Mantra
- Greek Gods & Goddesses
- Release Rage
- Holy Spirit