Is there any religious catholic law that rules against circumcision?
2007-11-15 12:23:57 · 14 answers · asked by John D 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Sadly, the Catholic Church wimps out on this issue, which I think is absolutely pathetic. Christianity as a whole should take a stronger stance against circumcision, but they like to skip over those passages in the New Testament where it is pointedly called mutilation and unnecessary.
2007-11-18 16:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by SunkenShip 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nope. There isn't. In the early church, it was just thought unnecessary for the Gentiles (anyone who was not a Jew) to be circumcised. They weren't going to follow the Jewish Laws and dietary restrictions, so why should they be circumcised? It just didn't make sense. Also, circumcision is the sign of the covenant that was created between God and Abraham. And, due to the fact that Gentiles were considered to be "unclean" at this time, they weren't really thought of to be part of the covenant anyways. It was only for God's Chosen People. But, Jesus pretty much renewed this covenant when He came, and circumcision was no longer required.
2007-11-15 12:53:23 · answer #2 · answered by La_Dee_Da 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
In Roman Catholicism, I believe not. Though they do not believe it is necessary anymore, since that covenant was between Abraham and God, Jesus has renewed that covenant for us, with new agreements. Therefore it is no longer needed, but there is no law that rules against it.
Plus some people get it done for things like personal hygiene/health issues.
2007-11-15 12:28:21 · answer #3 · answered by Jon A 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Neither the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox nor Anglican churches have an official position on the matter.
2007-11-15 12:26:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
Genital mutilation of children should not be permitted under any religion. Circumcision as a necessary medical treatment for certain conditions is fine but to mutilate a child for cosmetic or religious reasons is abhorrent.
2007-11-15 12:29:58 · answer #5 · answered by tentofield 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Among christians, circumcision is considered not necessary as a religious ritual.
You can read this: http://www.cirp.org/library/cultural/dietzen1/
2007-11-15 13:20:33 · answer #6 · answered by caulk2005 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe so. I would think that Christians would be in favor of circumcision since Abraham was commanded that all males in his household be circumcised as part of a covenent with God. This was a covenant for all eternity. If Catholics consider themselves to be children of Abraham then, they should be required to circumcise all males. Today, we know that there are many health benefits to circumcision.
2007-11-15 12:33:48 · answer #7 · answered by Barry W 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Read Galatians, it does in there.
But many people still do it anyway because it's a little ambiguous and they think it's hygienic, it is not.
2007-11-15 16:01:57 · answer #8 · answered by June 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
american catholics regularly circumcise: it makes sex less pleasant for the adult male afterwards, and also makes masturbation difficult.
2007-11-15 12:27:48 · answer #9 · answered by synopsis 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
there should be state & federal laws against it
2007-11-15 12:27:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋