What are the religious reasons for circumcision?

Answer 1

Religious Reasons:

About 95% of Jews think it is necessary to be circumcised as God commanded to Moses. Others think that just like stoning adulterers and forcing raped virgins to marry their attackers, this edict no longer applies. (1)

About 80% of Muslims think that since Mohammed was born with the birth defect Aposthia, or apparent lack of foreskin, then being circumcised is the best way to live like the prophet. Others think that since He was NOT circumcised and DID NOT mention circumcision in the Qur'an, then it is best to live by what IS in the Qur'an, for example: 82:7-8 "The One who created you, designed you, and perfected you. In whatever design He chose, He constructed it." They think it is sinfully arrogant to change God's creation. (2)

Fewer than 20% of Christians think circumcision is required by God. Official Catholic doctrine specifically forbids routine circumcision. The new testament mentions over a dozen times that it is NOT required. While most circumcised Americans are Christian, the procedure was not usually done for religious reasons, but rather due to ignorance of the natural male anatomy and cultural conformity. (3)

Every mammal on earth (excpet bats for some reason) has evolved a foreskin, and that is no accident. There is no health benefit to circumcision, and the loss of the foreskin poses severe drawbacks to sexual enjoyment for a manand his partner. (4) The foreskin is no trickier to care for than eyelids; leave it alone.

No national health organization in the world recommends routine circumcision. Circumcision does not prevent STDs like AIDS (5). 1000s of Americans who were circumcised at birth have died of AIDS. The rate of HIV infection is higher in mostly-cut USA than in mostly-intact Europe. 80% of the world is happily intact and has no special health, hygiene, or social problems.

There are about:
500 million circumcised Muslims
125 million circumcised Christians
30 million circumcised Atheists
9 million circumcised Jews
alive today.

-Ron

Answer 2

I don't exactly know the religious reason, other than some religious texts say that it is to be done.

I would think it is cleaner and that point is being demonstrated in current research.

Recent studies of HIV/AIDS in Africa show that in countries where most men are circumcised, transmission rates of HIV are lower. However they do not know if it is the actual circumcision (the physiological influence) or if the cultures in these countries do not engage in as many risky behaviours.

I just find this a really interesting piece of research...

Answer 3

Mainly for hygene reasons. Remember, back then, baths were not a daily occurance not even weekly for some. Circumcision was an easy way to keep the penis cleaner.

Although it is silly that some idiots had to include it in religious practices but I guess that was the only way people would do it.

Answer 4

According to the Bible, it was commanded by God for the ancient Israelites to serve as a cultural distiction between them and the pagans nations. But the sacrificial death of Jesus abolished the Law of Moses, so circumcision is not required for Christians. It's still a good idea for health reasons, as demonstrated by medical studies and research, but it's not necessary to have God's approval.

Answer 5

In Genesis, God ordained circumcision as a covenant between Abraham and his descendants. The action was to serve as a permanent physical reminder of the covenant.

This applies to Jews and Muslims. Other religions may require this, but I can't say why

Answer 6

On the 8th day after his birth, Jesus was circumcised according to the law of Moses.

The Apostles later decided that circumcision was not a requirement to become a Christian; However, many men are circumcised as a sign of faith.

Answer 7

Circumcision is but a foreshadow of what it is to come, of what is Jesus gonna do to our hearts. He will circumcise our HEARTS so that we can love as He did. There is no other way to do it, the Bible is very blunt, we cannot love as God does, our hearts are WICKED beyond belief (Jeremiah 17:9).

Answer 8

it was like a tradition but that was only during the old testament times. after Jesus was born, men no longer had to be circumcised. now it's mainly done as a cosmetic procedure. it's the parents preference.

Answer 9

To seperate and to set apart. The Jews were set apart for God. Because of Jesus, we have circumcision of the heart. Setting us apart through our actions and words.

Answer 10

There are None - the Bible speaks of this in the Old Testament and it was used to show a covenant between man and God - that covenant no longer exists.