Old Testament
Intimacy
This website is not connected with, nor endorsed by, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Views here are those of the authors. The information provided here is intended to help fellow members discuss, study and weigh in on an uncomfortable topic in a faith promoting environment: Therefore, no explicit images are displayed. Articles here are typically sympathetic towards the abrahamic practice but skeptical towards the modern practice. We earnestly challenge you, our reader, to sincerely study and to ask God your hard questions about ancient biblical circumcision and modern posthectomy
Other Relevant Beliefs
Here are some other beliefs relevant to a discussion on posthectomy (modern circumcision)
A Fallen World
Occasionally people argue that foreskins or circumcision (posthectomy) are a consequence of us living in a fallen world. This viewpoint fails to look forward to the resurrection. Do you imagine men will be resurrected with scars (and lacking foreskins)? We need to remember that God didn't create the world to be fallen but to be redeemed.
Study Question: Proponents of Evolution often point to useless organs (like the appendix and tail bone) and claim they are purposeless and vestigial remnants that only used to have function. Is the foreskin vestigial and only used to have function? Or Or does foreskin continue to have purpose?
Modern Medicine
The use of medical science is not at odds with our prayers of faith and our reliance on priesthood blessings. (Read Dallin H. Oaks full talk Healing the Sick)
The talk continues to explain that we need to do "all that is necessary"including modern medicine (first) to exercise our faith.
In Moroni 8:8. it states "the whole need no physician". The Lord was making an analogy to ancient circumcision.
Study Question: How should faith and medical science inform one another? Should one come first?
Restoration of all things
Occasionally it is argued that modern circumcision (posthectomy) is part of a "Restoration of all Things" that is necessary for ushering in the Second Coming.
This is a misguided belief:
First, The posthectomies (modern circumcisions) performed in hospitals bear little semblance to the ancient circumcision. The physical surgery changed (read Post-Biblical Changes). Additionally, God is very particular about ordinances: Hospital circumcisions aren't done with any priesthood authority, witnesses, prayer or other signs of acceptable ordinances.
Second, "A Restoration of all Things" actually won't even include circumcision.
It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the Prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses' day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued. (History of the Church 4:211 emphasis added).
Study Question: Why do you think the Law of Moses in its entirety won't be restored?
Piercings and Tattoos and the Body is a Temple
Similarly, when individuals follow the body-defiling practices of multiple piercing and tattooing, they dull their spiritual sensitivity. Tattooing the body seems analogous to spraying graffiti on one of our beautiful temples. (The Friend Feb 1999)
Study Question: Though they do defile bodies, tattoos and many piercings do not remove flesh and forever compromise the physical integrity of the body. Could posthectomy (modern circumcision) be analogous to chipping at the masonry of our beautiful temples? Why or why not?
These other beliefs are discussed within the Culture section of this site