The Book of Mormon references biblical circumcision five times. Of those five times, four of them use the term uncircumcised to mean unclean or sinful. Two are quotes from Isaiah explaining how Jerusalem needs to be holy (2 Ne. 8:24 and 3 Ne. 20:36).

​

Two other references use the phrase "uncircumcised of heart."(2 Ne. 9:33 and Hel. 9:21) This might also mean uncommitted. Remember that we are supposed to sacrifice a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Ne. 9:20).

​

Finally the fifth and last reference to circumcision comes in a letter from Mormon to his son Moroni about a disputation that arose concerning infant baptism. Mormon explains how he prayed to the Lord about the matter and the word of the lord came to him.

 

7 For immediately after I had learned these things of you I inquired of the Lord concerning the matter. And the word of the Lord came to me by the power of the Holy Ghost, saying:

 

8 Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need no physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.

 

9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.

​

In these scriptures Mormon could very well be quoting from other scripture or revelation (that we don't have). The Holy Ghost might be bringing words of a scripture to Mormon's remembrance. Notice that the actual words of Christ (verse 8) don't even mention infant baptism! It is Mormon who concludes that infant baptism is wrong because of the manifest word of God. God is talking about circumcision not infant baptism.

​

Alternatively, it is possible that the Lord mentioned infant baptism later and Mormon was actually summarizing additional material in verse 9 by saying "after this manner". However this isn't likely because in that case Mormon would be hastily summarizing the most important part of his argument. 

​

The Lord may not be just using an analogy about "physician[s]" he is probably talking directly about circumcision. Remember also that Mormon saw our day in vision. Mormon must have felt that we would benefit from understanding the pitfalls of both infant baptism and circumcision.

​

Finally this scripture should dispel the cultural myth or misconception that because we live in a fallen world some things like baby boys are in need of fixing. While we certainly live in a fallen world however the verses above tells us that "the whole need no physician" and "little children are whole".

​

Study questions to ask yourself and God:

​

• Would it be wrong to baptize an infant for non-religious reasons? (ie cultural reasons)

• Would it be wrong to circumcise an infant for non-religious reasons? (ie cultural reasons)

• What does it mean that "little children are whole"?

• Should Mormon's harsh condemnation of infant baptism also apply to the biblical practice of circumcision or moden circumcision (posthectomy)?

• There are few scriptures where the Lord speaks directly with his own voice. When might the Lord speak indirectly through inspiration or directly like here?

​

Next read about Circumcision from the Doctrine and Covenants

​

​

​

​

​