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While I certainly do not believe there is any "law" demanding Christians circumcize their male children, there certainly is a huge amount of medical evidence from around the world indicating that infant circumcision prevents cancer to the point of making it a procedure that literally eliminates the risk of a certain type of cancer in men.
"Penile cancer is regarded as an "emerging problem" [Micali et al., 2006]. This large review also noted that "public health measures, such as prophylactic use of circumcision, have proven successful" [Micali et al., 2006]. Neonatal circumcision virtually abolishes the risk [Schoen, 1996].
The rate data in the USA has to be viewed in the context of the high proportion of circumcised men in the USA, especially in older age groups, and the age group affected (mean age at presentation = 60 years [Ries et al., 1998]), where older men represent only a portion of the total male population.
"Penile cancer is regarded as an "emerging problem" [Micali et al., 2006]. This large review also noted that "public health measures, such as prophylactic use of circumcision, have proven successful" [Micali et al., 2006]. Neonatal circumcision virtually abolishes the risk [Schoen, 1996].
The rate data in the USA has to be viewed in the context of the high proportion of circumcised men in the USA, especially in older age groups, and the age group affected (mean age at presentation = 60 years [Ries et al., 1998]), where older men represent only a portion of the total male population.
Thus the incidence of 1 in 100,000 men per year of life translates to 75 in 100,000 during each man's lifetime (assuming an average life expectancy of 75 years). However, penile cancer occurs almost entirely in uncircumcised men. If we assume that these represent 30% of males in the USA, the chance an uncircumcised man will get it would be (very approximately) 75 per 30,000 = 1 in 400. Perhaps not surprisingly this accords with the incidence that is actually seen (as stated in the first paragraph).
In 5 major series in the USA, starting in 1932 [Wolbarst, 1932], not one man with invasive penile cancer had been circumcised neonatally [Maden et al., 1993], i.e., this disease is almost completely confined to uncircumcised men. In fact penile cancer is so rare in a man who had been circumcised in infancy, that when it does occur it can even be the subject of a published case report [Kanik et al., 1997]."
Circumcision - Cancer of the Penis
I had all 3 of my boys circumcised, and at the time I really regretted it. To hear the screams of those babies as they were strapped down and then cut just about destroyed me. But after hearing so many stories of older boys and adult men having to get circumcised and the pain they felt, to say nothing of lowering the cancer risk to almost nothing, I am glad in retrospect that I had it done.
One son of mine did not circumcise his son, the other son circumcised both sons. The latter knew a man he played hockey with who had it done as adult because of some sort of problems, and he said that man had nothing but pain and problems.
My thought is that God told the Jews to be circumcised in part because of what it signified. But God also knew the tremendous medical benefits, especially in a society that lived in the desert, and did not always have water to bath and clean properly. Therefore, although we are not under the law to do this, it certainly makes sense in light of the overwhelming medical evidence in favour of infant circumcision, to say nothing of God knowing exactly the benefits of this seemingly cruel, but necessary surgery for men.
Circumcision - Cancer of the Penis
I had all 3 of my boys circumcised, and at the time I really regretted it. To hear the screams of those babies as they were strapped down and then cut just about destroyed me. But after hearing so many stories of older boys and adult men having to get circumcised and the pain they felt, to say nothing of lowering the cancer risk to almost nothing, I am glad in retrospect that I had it done.
One son of mine did not circumcise his son, the other son circumcised both sons. The latter knew a man he played hockey with who had it done as adult because of some sort of problems, and he said that man had nothing but pain and problems.
My thought is that God told the Jews to be circumcised in part because of what it signified. But God also knew the tremendous medical benefits, especially in a society that lived in the desert, and did not always have water to bath and clean properly. Therefore, although we are not under the law to do this, it certainly makes sense in light of the overwhelming medical evidence in favour of infant circumcision, to say nothing of God knowing exactly the benefits of this seemingly cruel, but necessary surgery for men.
I had no opinion on the matter, but my son had to be circumcised because the skin was not stretchy enough.
There is a problem in africa where boys aged 13 are circumcised as part of a coming of age ceremony. It appears some have got infected and had lots of problems as a result, so circumstances of operations that draw blood are always difficult to defend, unless there is an obvious reason for it.
Unless you are a jew, as a christian there is zero reason to have this done.
There is a problem in africa where boys aged 13 are circumcised as part of a coming of age ceremony. It appears some have got infected and had lots of problems as a result, so circumstances of operations that draw blood are always difficult to defend, unless there is an obvious reason for it.
Unless you are a jew, as a christian there is zero reason to have this done.
I don't see it as being barbaric, however I do not believe that Christians are required to circumcise there male children, it was a command given to the Jews
I believe it is more a cultural thing. In the USA 75.5% of all males are circumcised whereas in the UK 8.5% of males and the vast majority of those are either Jewish or Muslims.
I personally do not believe the health benefits out way the risks. In the case of penis cancer it would appear predominately linked to HPV a sexually transmitted virus which is cleared more effectively in males who have been circumcised. But surely if individuals do not have sex until they are married, stay monogamous to their spouse and stay with them (following the bible model for marriage) then sexually transmitted virus' are not an issue. Most other issues are resolved by good hygiene.
I believe it is more a cultural thing. In the USA 75.5% of all males are circumcised whereas in the UK 8.5% of males and the vast majority of those are either Jewish or Muslims.
I personally do not believe the health benefits out way the risks. In the case of penis cancer it would appear predominately linked to HPV a sexually transmitted virus which is cleared more effectively in males who have been circumcised. But surely if individuals do not have sex until they are married, stay monogamous to their spouse and stay with them (following the bible model for marriage) then sexually transmitted virus' are not an issue. Most other issues are resolved by good hygiene.
C
I'm sorry. I think in bible times, even the women didn't think too much about it as it was just part of normal life, but I know our culture today is different.
I didn't mean to gross you out or make you uncomfortable, but did want some Christian opinions as it seemed odd that some people were saying it was different today than in the bible.
I didn't mean to gross you out or make you uncomfortable, but did want some Christian opinions as it seemed odd that some people were saying it was different today than in the bible.
