The World Health Organization recently released a report detailing a potential connection between male circumcision and a reduced spread of HIV. Apparently studies in AIDS-ravished parts of Africa have revealed that circumcision significantly reduces the incidence of males becoming infected as a result of sexual intercourse. Doctors have been so overwhelmingly impressed with the results of the study that there is now talk of how to implement mandatory adult male circumcision.
The study was not conclusive on what, if any, benefit was derived by the female partners.
“This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.” (Genesis 17.10-11 NRSV)
We often get the idea that God is out to deprive us of something. We read the Bible, and particularly the Law, as enlightened Westerners and marvel at the ridiculous things God required of his people. Or were they ridiculous…? It is not so uncommon for science to catch up to what God told people several thousand years ago.
Maybe, just maybe, God knew something about hygiene and health all along. Circumcision and monogamy do go a very long way toward protecting both partners from infection and disease. I wonder what else God knows that we haven’t figured out yet….
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