david@ssc-vax.UUCP (David Norris) (01/06/84)
> ...the idea behind circumcision, which > is (as far as I know) a judeaic-christian practise, is very related to the > judeo-christian belief that there is something wrong with sex. I am not a > theologian, so I will not continue for fear of saying something wrong. Christians do not believe that there is something wrong with sex (read the Song of Solomon). Most believe that there is something wrong with the present condition of man's sexual appetite. But the original purpose behind circumcision stems from Judaism, so perhaps some jewish folk will take this on. I have a son, and he is circumcised; but my sole reason for doing so was so he would look like the other boys in the locker room. Kids have enough problems without making them feel like they "don't belong". -- David Norris -- uw-beaver!ssc-vax!david
awex@wxlvax.UUCP (Alan Wexelblat) (01/08/84)
As I remember it, the story about circumcision runs roughly: Jewish matriarch has only son. Son is dying in infancy. Woman knows that son is only one she will get (please don't ask why; I'm having enough trouble remembering the main story!). Woman offers up foreskin as sacrifice instead of child's life. God says ok, cures child. How it became a tradition, I don't know. An interesting note: second-hand information indicates that men who are circumcised tend to enjoy intercourse more. I don't know why, it's just peoples' experiences I'm relating. --Alan Wexelblat (the vanishing philosopher) ...decvax!ittvax!wxlvax!awex
trb@masscomp.UUCP (Andy Tannenbaum) (01/12/84)
Dave Norris quotes someone without reference :-( ...the idea behind circumcision, which is (as far as I know) a judeaic-christian practise, is very related to the judeo-christian belief that there is something wrong with sex. I am not a theologian, so I will not continue for fear of saying something wrong. Dave Norris himself states: Christians do not believe that there is something wrong with sex (read the Song of Solomon). Most believe that there is something wrong with the present condition of man's sexual appetite. But the original purpose behind circumcision stems from Judaism, so perhaps some jewish folk will take this on. I rebut: Listen up and listen good (person quoted without reference, and the rest of you), I been thru this before in this space, and you weren't listening. I don't wanna hear any more bullshit about the your ideas about the "original purpose" behind Jewish laws. Jews believe that God gave Jews the laws, and that's the original purpose. Period. That's all. Period. No bullshit about "what's wrong with sex" or "health reasons." As for my personal view on circumcision, I'm a Jew, I'm circumcised in accordance with Jewish law. I'm don't consider myself permanently traumatized due to my circumcision, I don't consider it sexual torture, I don't miss the little piece of my penis. I think there are some folks out there who just like to rake muck. Note well #2: Jewish law or belief doesn't say there's anything wrong with sex. As Tug McGraw says (almost) in the 7up ads: "Never did, never will." There might be a Jew here or there with hangups about sex, but the religion takes no such stand. Not even close. There is plenty of evidence in Jewish law which shows that sexual pleasure is an integral part of a happy relationship between a husband and wife. (For instance, lack of sexual satisfaction is legitimate grounds for divorce). On to Christians do not believe that there is something wrong with sex (read the Song of Solomon). I'm (slightly) curious about which parts of the Jewish law Christians accept, it seems sort of random to me. Song of Solomon is part of the Jewish law, don't forget that. Hot stuff. This "Judeo-Christian" stuff really grosses me out. As the American Dairy Association says: You'll never hear us claiming that butter tastes just like margarine. Andy Tannenbaum Masscomp Inc Westford MA (617) 692-6200 x274