Also, ancient Egyptian artwork displays male circumcision. Evidence also shows that not every Egyptian male was subject to the procedure (Harris, 1973.) In later tradition, Hebrew circumcision was linked to Abraham, father of the Jewish people. According to the Torah, God commanded that Abraham circumcise the flesh of the foreskin for this purpose. The eight-day-old baby boy is to undergo circumcision because the seven days of life were the creation of the physical world. The eighth day is to represent the coming together of man and God. The story involves 99-year -old, Abraham circumcising himself and his 13-year-old son, Ismael. Later, his wife, Sarah, bears another son, Isaac, who is circumcised on the eighth day of his life. The eighth day could be in reference to the story of Jesus" circumcision. According to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus was circumcised on his eighth day of life. Paul argued, "in Christ Jesus neither circumcision or uncircumcision count for anything (Holy Bible.)" According to the book of Romans, "he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though be in circumcision, that righteousness might be reckoned unto them (Romans 4:11, Holy Bible)." This scripture describes the symbolic holiness of the circumcision. Jews and Moslems traditionally practiced ritual circumcision. According to the Jewish faith, circumcision is the sign of the covenant between the person and God. Present day Jews circumcision is both a convenant rite and a naming ceremony. Orthodox Jews follow ancient practices. On the eighth day the infant is taken to the Mohel (circumciser.) Non-Orthodox Jews may have the procedure done at a hospital. Other religions also participate in the circumcision of their sons (Bullough, 1976.).
Medical Practices.
In the United States circumcision is a highly controversial issue.
