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In Roman times, in the early Christian era, the new religion of Christianity was a really “tough sell”. Roman culture worshipped the penis, the phallus, and sexual activity. The phallus, and the use of it, was central to their concept of civil order. Advertising of various commodities commonly featured an exaggerated phallus. Common household items were crafted in the shape of a penis. Sexual acts were imprinted on the coinage in common use. The Christian religion was new, the underlying culture was still strong and vibrant, there was a low demand level for a change of religion, people were generally happy with the religion they then enjoyed. The Christians still considered themselves a part of the Jewish faith, and new recruits were expected to comply with dietary laws and the rite of circumcision. Circumcision as an infant with modern medical care is one thing, but for an adult male of the time the operation was very painful, had a painful healing period, and the risks of serious complications were large. In other words, a real test of conviction, of belief, in a new faith. As a result, Christianity, grew very slowly. “You want me to do, what?” That is why this fundamental essential element of Judaism was given up. James is supposed to have agreed to this change in Jerusalem, certainly before A. D. 70, possibly as early as A. D. 45. It severely limited the growth of the Christian religion. A word for this is “wishy-washy”. How is that for rock solid fundamentalism, and sticking to the basics? Another word for this is opportunistic. It solved a severe public relations problem. In other words, the religion was being taken over by used car salesmen. Used car salesmen do not care about covenants with God. They care about membership rolls in churches, and the “Take” in collections for churchly expenses. All that was really important was growth in numbers. More members mean more economic and political power. From a different perspective, Christianity had become main stream. The leadership ran the religion for their own purposes, not God’s purposes. Christianity had become that era’s “prep school” MBA for the astute. Above all, circumcision is undeniable proof of membership in a secret society. It is evidence that is not easy or painless to fake. Sure, agents of a government could go “under cover” by having the operation done to themselves. That is a dedicated spy, indeed. literally “in deed”. Think what this also means. For this “membership card” to be useful, it had to be used. A visual check had to be made at the door before entry to a building, meeting, or ceremony. “That’s right, go right up to the gate. Show the guard your penis in the bright light. Your circumcision will let you right in.” Perhaps this was another rerason for excluding women. Now think about observing this admissions policy from a distance. Folks had to have thought “something really strange is going on over there!” No wonder the common folk and government leaders might have thought the Christians were subversive and a threat to good civil order. Today, circumcision is not necessary as a health measure for boys. If you feel that mutilating the penises of baby boys is a necessary part of your participation in your religion, go ahead. I observe that the baby cannot choose, or fight back. I think that anyone who performs this procedure ought to ber sought out by Children's Protective Services and arrested for physical assult of, and cruelty to, children. I say this partly because I freel I was sold a "Bill of Goods" when my son was born, and I know no one asked my opinion and permission when I was born.
Article Source: http://www.religionarticlelibrary.com
(c) Copyright 2006: George Wallace completed an MA and taught in the public schools for 28 years. He recently published a book on religion which lashes out at nearly all of the comfortable ideas about God, the trappings of organized religion, the layers of money sucking priesthood, and their departures from the fundamental ideas and messages of Religion. His pithy comments and suggestions for a return to a God-centered personal religion will outrage everyone. www.OhGodIsThatYou.com
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