Bible circumcision

[Tero]

I read it once but it made no sense then. What was the explanation god gave?

http://www.gci.org/law/circumcision

[Animavore]

It says it in the article you linked. To form a covenant.

[Tero]

Every male was to be circumcised, and this physical rite was to be "the sign of the covenant" with God, and it was "an everlasting covenant."

The foundation of the Torah is the belief that God chose the Children of Israel and made his covenant with them. This covenant requires the Children of Israel to live their lives guided by the commandments with proselytes having their own commandments while Gentiles are only obligated to observe the Noahide Laws to be assured of a place in the World to Come.

Still not getting it. Your penis skin is your signature?

[Animavore]

It's religion. Why are you looking for logic?

[Tero]

I thought it had something to do with teen boys masturbating. Not sure how the Bible would have worded it. Plus there is the pork stuff, which seems to have some health reasons then. They could have claimed the penis is cleaner.

[Animavore]

I thought it had something to do with teen boys masturbating. Not sure how the Bible would have worded it. Plus there is the pork stuff, which seems to have some health reasons then. They could have claimed the penis is cleaner.

All of those reasons are fairly modern pseudo-medical reasons pushed by circumcision advocacy groups in the 19th century (they're the reason circumcision is so popular in America among the gentiles). The Bible gives no reason other than God commands it. End of.

[SteveB]

Has to be a pretty sharp Bible for it to work.

[hadespussercats]

I thought it had something to do with teen boys masturbating. Not sure how the Bible would have worded it. Plus there is the pork stuff, which seems to have some health reasons then. They could have claimed the penis is cleaner.

The teen boys masturbating bit is from the Victorians-- they popularized it as a method to encourage self-control.
The non-kosher-ness of pork may have health justifications, but they weren't part of the biblical dictate to not eat animals with cloven hooves (I think that's the description.)
And the bit about penis hygiene isn't part of the original mandate, either. I've read about circumcision and subincision rituals in tribal cultures-- usually they were part of the ceremony by which boys were recognized as men. It was about being able to withstand the pain, and be physically transformed by it.
If I had to guess, I'd say the Biblical procedure has similar roots.

[Blind groper]

Know why John McEnroe wears a head scarf?

To hide his circumcision scar.

[Svartalf]

Interesting

[Svartalf]

I thought it had something to do with teen boys masturbating. Not sure how the Bible would have worded it. Plus there is the pork stuff, which seems to have some health reasons then. They could have claimed the penis is cleaner.

The teen boys masturbating bit is from the Victorians-- they popularized it as a method to encourage self-control.
The non-kosher-ness of pork may have health justifications, but they weren't part of the biblical dictate to not eat animals with cloven hooves (I think that's the description.)
And the bit about penis hygiene isn't part of the original mandate, either. I've read about circumcision and subincision rituals in tribal cultures-- usually they were part of the ceremony by which boys were recognized as men. It was about being able to withstand the pain, and be physically transformed by it.
If I had to guess, I'd say the Biblical procedure has similar roots.

Actually, I doubt so.

Pork may be a relatively dangerous meat if not properly cooked, but we have no reason to believe the proper ways to cook it were secret, and FAWCT, they had been known since the neolithic.

OTOH, the pig shares one of the very worst reputations as an animal among people of that area... in ways, it's less of an insult to be called a baboon than a pig... never go why.

[Rum]

Its easy - god says 'cut off the end of all your baby boys' willies and I'll be your mate'. No need for explanation, surely?

[Gawdzilla Sama]

The foreskin was a human sacrifice substitute.

[mistermack]

It's one of the most basic miracles.

Some loony says that God "told him" something. Gullible people believe him.
And then, miraculously, it becomes the "word of God" forever. Nobody questions it later.

And it's still happening. The Pope pronounces on something, after loads of praying and self delusion.
And that becomes the infallible word of God.
So little has really changed since the bronze age.

[hadespussercats]

I thought it had something to do with teen boys masturbating. Not sure how the Bible would have worded it. Plus there is the pork stuff, which seems to have some health reasons then. They could have claimed the penis is cleaner.

The teen boys masturbating bit is from the Victorians-- they popularized it as a method to encourage self-control.
The non-kosher-ness of pork may have health justifications, but they weren't part of the biblical dictate to not eat animals with cloven hooves (I think that's the description.)
And the bit about penis hygiene isn't part of the original mandate, either. I've read about circumcision and subincision rituals in tribal cultures-- usually they were part of the ceremony by which boys were recognized as men. It was about being able to withstand the pain, and be physically transformed by it.
If I had to guess, I'd say the Biblical procedure has similar roots.

Actually, I doubt so.

Pork may be a relatively dangerous meat if not properly cooked, but we have no reason to believe the proper ways to cook it were secret, and FAWCT, they had been known since the neolithic.

OTOH, the pig shares one of the very worst reputations as an animal among people of that area... in ways, it's less of an insult to be called a baboon than a pig... never go why.

All I'm saying is if you read the religious texts re- not eating pig, you're not going to find a discussion of trichinosis prevention. Just words to the effect that pigs are filthy ad god will be very mad if you eat them.