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
Family Tradition
Here are some excerpts from an ensign article "The Traditions of Their Fathers" by James T. Duke. It is one the best LDS perspectives talks about the "traditions of their fathers" spoken of in scripture.
One of the most important means by which Satan can corrupt and deceive the children of men is through the traditions of their fathers. If these traditions are corrupt and lead to evil rather than righteousness, then the evil one has a powerful tool to corrupt the children, for they usually follow the traditions of their parents.
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Today, Latter-day Saints must learn to discern and choose between the righteous traditions of the gospel and the evil traditions that surround them. Church leaders for many years have given strong support to the family as a social institution capable of exerting strong influence upon the lives of children. They have counseled us to keep our families strong, to maintain the beautiful and traditional ties between parent and child. They have counseled us to read the scriptures and to keep ourselves in tune with the inspired teachings of both former and latter-day prophets.
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On the other hand, our leaders have warned us repeatedly against some of the evil traditions of men that have the power to corrupt us and to take away light and truth. These include contemporary challenges to traditional family life, including sexual permissiveness, immodesty, obscenity, adultery, perversion, abortion, and the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.
Young people today recognize that not all the traditions of their fathers are righteous and beneficial. They have rightfully questioned the value of blindly following traditions that can be seen to lead to error and corruption. This does not mean, of course, that all of the traditions of one’s society must be challenged.
Study Questions
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What are some examples in scripture of traditions of fathers blessing and cursing subsequent generations?
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What are some traditions that you have to help strengthen your family?
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What are good criteria for analyzing if a tradition is beneficial or harmful?
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Is "family tradition" by itself valid reason for modern circumcision (posthectomy)?