The Circumcision of our Lord - The Circumcision of our Children?

Our local paper recently ran this story, "To Snip, or Not to Snip?"

The article itself focuses mainly on the health aspects of the procedure, and declining rates of circumcision, especially among Hispanics.

I thought about this today as we celebrated the Circumcision of Our Lord (according to the official CPH rubrics)

So what about it, Lutherans? Any thoughts on the practice? I have two girls and haven't had to decide... but I would lean toward it if I had a boy.

Good enough for Jesus, Abraham, and so many others... why not good enough for our children? Not as a law. But if disease isn't an issue, as the article suggests, what would be the pros and cons?

Comments

Anonymous said…
With our son, we decided to have it done. The doctors do a very good job explaining the pros (cleanliness in the long run) and the cons (unnecessary pain for the child) and we decided that it would be best to have it done. I think it's important to get informed before doing it, but my personal feeling was to have it done.
5:19 AM
Anonymous said…
We have 3 children, 2 of them boys. They are not circumcised, but my husband is. Theologically speaking we didn't feel the need to circumcise since we are in the new covenant with Christ. The nurse who taught our childbirth class had a son who had many problems due to circumcision. Her younger sons were not circumcised. There just didn't seem to be any good reason to do it.
Some people worry about their sons feeling different or wondering why they look different than daddy. Our oldest is 5 and he has never noticed or said anything about it. If it does come up in the future I think he will be satisfied with an explanation, after all he has something that daddy doesn't!
A quick google of circumcision will find you tons of information. The foreskin has an important role, it is not just gratuitous flesh. It keeps the glans moist, healthy, and clean. Its linings and membranes produce antibacterial and antiviral proteins as well as antibodies that defend against infection. At least 80% of the penile skin covering is contained in the foreskin. (This information as well as a whole lot more can be found in the article "The Case Against Circumcision" at www.Mothering.com.)
My research was not able to convince me of any real pros to being circumcised. There do seem to be many reasons not to. The baby will feel pain, even with local anesthetic. We were strongly encouraged to watch a video of a circumcision if we had chosen to go with that option. The procedure can disrupt the breastfeeding relationship. There is risk of complication in 2-6/1,000 circumcisions, ranging from minor to serious. There is no concrete evidence that being circumcised prevents STDs, in fact, I read that the US, which has the highest circumcision rate among western nations, also has higher rates of STDs. As for long term cleanliness, nothing special needs to be done to care for a child's foreskin other than regular bathing. It is best to leave the foreskin alone. Post puberty, simple rinsing is usually all that's required.
In the very rare cases where circumcision is medically necessary it can be performed at any age.
I am curious, though, why you would lean toward it.
11:28 AM
Preachrboy said…
I guess I can't see it as such a bad thing, being that the Lord once commanded it for his people.

I have not researched it as you have, Anne, but I have to admit I am skeptical about definitive health benefits to either circumcising or not circumcising.

I think the main reason FOR it would be, in my mind, to be "like others", so to speak. But I admit that's not a very strong reason.

I have to admit I don't feel strongly, and could be swayed either way, I suppose at this point...
12:32 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

First Thursday in May....

Happy National Day of (unionistic, syncretistic, confusing of the two-kingdoms, thinking it's a means of grace even though it's not, don't mention Jesus and offend the non-Christians) Prayer Gleaned from the nationaldayofprayer.org website.... (my comments in italics) "We are the Judeo-Christian expression of the National Day of Prayer..." Judeo-Christian. Make up your mind. "The National Day of Prayer Task Force exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership." What is the "Christian community"? Ever hear of the church? "The National Day of Prayer was created by an act of Congress and is, therefore, intended for all peoples of faith to pray to the God of their understanding" Sounds just like Alcoholics Anonymous and their anonymous god. I don't pray to the "God of my understanding". I pray to ...
Read more

Sermon - Christmas 1 - Luke 2:22-38

Sermon – Christmas 1 – Luke 2:22-38 Trinity Lutheran, Sheboygan, WI “Depart in Peace” The family is all gathered around. The doctors have given the grave news. “Time is short. Say your goodbyes.” The pastor is called, and he comes to the hospital. He, too, knew this might be coming. This faithful child of God, who had so often heard the word and received the gifts in the local communion of saints... was now going to join the communion of saints that rest in Christ. God's name is invoked. Scriptures are read. Prayers are said. Then the pastor sings a familiar little song, “ Lord now lettest thou thy servant, depart in peace, according to Thy word. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end, amen....
Read more

Under the Influence

I've begun a study of the LCMS (Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) with our Sunday morning Bible class. One of the topics we will be covering is what outside, non-Lutheran influences have affected thinking and practice in our church body. Certainly American culture is a major one. However, another major influence of late has been "Evangelicalism" . Dr. David Adams makes this very case in his assessment of what divides the LCMS today, a view which I find to be very insightful. Disclaimer: Not everything in Evangelicalism is necessarily bad. We Lutherans do have points of commonality as well as important differences. I'd just like to see an increased awareness of what those are. Most of us in the LCMS have been influenced, somehow or another, by modern American Evangelicalism. With apologies to Jeff Foxworthy , I put together the beginnings of a list... feel free to tack on your own comments. If they're really good I will even include them in the post. ___ YOU...
Read more