While this is an excellent analysis of the religious bases for circumcision, it begs the question of why was there a mandate to circumcise at all. As with many of the other seemingly arbitrary commands and restrictions of the Torah (like the prohibition on consumption of pork products), there were very practical medical reasons for the practice. Circumcision reduces the possibility of UTIs in young children, later Incidences of sexually transmitted diseases, and urethritis, cystitis, and nephritis which are particularly prevalent in hot, dry environments.

In addition to the Jews, many other ancient societies also practiced circumcision, including the Egyptians (whose practice probably predates the ancient Hebrews). It is also evident in aboriginal societies in Australia and Native American societies in both North and South America. It is hardly unique to the Jews. One of the religious bases for it may be that it was a sign of being an authentic Jew, but it actually has little practical relevance.

Faithful Christians would understand the truth expressed in the Old Testament much better if they would take the time to understand the culture in which it was written. Too often we take modern day standards and apply them to ancient language and come up with an interpretation which is quite different or has a much different origin than a mandate from God. It is this literalness that has led to so much evil and destruction during the course of history. Standards which arose from the desire to promote the health and safety of a population are too often twisted into a mandate from God, when actually no such connection exists. It is unfortunate, since the core message of Christianity is so simple. Just love. No exceptions, no qualifications. It really is quite easy in principle though seemingly difficult to apply in practice.