Quote:
Originally Posted by nomadking
It still would be done, even if it increased the incidence of infection and disease. How many of those around the world that are practising it, have the faintest idea of any alleged benefits.  |
The health benefits are a red herring. It is performed in Judaism because it is a specific religious requirement with specific religious meaning (I can't speak for Muslims or Nigerian Christians - it is most certainly not a requirement in the New Testament).
A religious ritual performed for religious reasons is either legitimate on the grounds that it is a religious observance, or not.