Why are there still some Christians who circumcise their boys?

Question

I ask this as a Christian, because from reading the book of Galatians it seems like the apostle Paul makes it fairly clear that there is no need for the Christian to circumcise anymore, and Paul even seems to imply that if you are still circumcising, you don't understand what the message of the gospel is all about.

So why is it still done SPECIFICALLY by some Christians? (I'm not asking about other religions, but specifically Christians.) Is there a Biblical reason, or is it only done for a medical reason? And if so, what are the reasons?

Note: I'm NOT asking to offend or anything... I'm just curious if there is a reasoning behind why some Christians still have this done (I've gotten into the habit of adding disclaimers to my questions, as I somehow manage to make people angry with my questions, even though all I'm doing is seeking out information.)

Thanks.

Answer 1

I honestly couldn't tell you why it is that Christians do it.

I know that in general that it's a matter of culture here in the States. Over in Europe it's more commonplace to leave things alone.

As a healthcare professional, I hear as many reasons to do it as to not. I think it's a matter of preference and asthetics. I've seen in practice that there is a certain arguement for having it done. Hygiene being the main reason.

You don't mention, do you have a son and are debating whether or not to have this done? My best advice in that regard is go with what your heart tells you.

Good luck to you.

Answer 2

First the reason, it is a medical treatment to ensure that one does not get infected as one grows and one's reproductive ability is strengthened! And, it is usually done when one is pretty young.

Second, as for Christians still doing it, it is their choice. The so-called Bible can only advise people but it cannot force them to do or not to do certain things. Further, Christians are akin to Jews and Muslims in many ways and this practice of circumcising is quite normal or common in those communities.

Your 'Note' is noted but I don't think you need to feel guilty asking a question seeking information or clarifications! After all, this world is full of mysteries and madness!

Answer 3

I don't have children yet, but I have friends who have had their baby boys circumcised. They said they mostly did it for health and cultural reasons. It's easy to get infections, if you don't keep your foreskin very clean, and that's often hard for little boys to do (I had a friend who got circumcised when he was 8 because of an infection - ouch!). The cultural reason is that it's still just normal to do in this country, and it seems that boys that are uncircumcised frequently get teased in the locker room, and parents want to protect their kids from that. Yeah, I've never heard a religious reason quoted when I think of it.

Answer 4

I have read medical reports that say uncircumcised men have much higher rates of penile cancer, then ive read medical reports that refute this, from asking my friends the most common answer I get is that if the father is circumcised then they tend to do the child too, a lot of women and men say simply that they want the child to have/ not have whatever the father has. To be honest ive never really heard much reference to biblical things wen ive discussed it with friends and doctors regarding their children or read medical reports about it. It really does seem to be as simple as if the father is then the child will be although here in western australia, especially in the bush ive been told its getting harder and harder to find a doctor who will do it. Its also of note that circumcise amongst the general population seems to go in and out of fashion over time. as medical records will show

Answer 5

I asked several trusted physicians what they would do if they had a baby boy. They said they would circumcise because of medical reasons. Occasionally an older male will need to be circumcised, and it is much more traumatic then.

Answer 6

Neither me or none of my three sons are circumcised. I think the doctors did it for the nominal "fee" (at birth) and not traditionally or the seventh day ritual. It has been determined there is no medical benefit if normal hygiene habits are adhered to. It is not enforced in modern hospitals.

Answer 7

Personally I dont believe that Christians circumcise boys because of their belief I think it is more of medical aspect. When a male is circumcise it is easier to clean and it reduces the chances of contracting diseases. It does not matter if you circumcise or not.

Answer 8

Christians who circumcise their children don't do it for religious reasons as a whole. It was the Jews who practiced circumcision. People who do it believe it is more sanitary, will cause less infection, that it looks better.

Answer 9

It's for health reason's! My nephew was circumcised but the Dr didn't remove enough for skin and it grew back so now he is 5 and considered to be uncircumcised and he gets a lot urinary infections. They thought about having him re circumcised but decided against it because of his age.

Answer 10

Religion didn't enter into my decision to have my son circumcised. I know that it is physically cleaner for the boy as he becomes a man & also he would be less likely to spread germs to his partner if he's circumcised. That was my sole consideration for his circumcision.