Even Jews Are Axeing Circumcision

[Goofball]

What I have noted about this discussion is that none of us who believe in the benefits of circumcision have mentioned trying to force circumcision on other parents' children, or have even really gone out of our way to try to convince you that it is something you should do.

On the other hand, the anti-circumcision camp seems adamant in their belief that they are right and want to (at best) exert pressure on other parents not to circumcise and (at worst) criminalise the idea of infant circumcision.

Who has talked about criminalization? Is it helpful to portray those who disagree with you as fanatics?

Lemur, believe me, I would not have made the statement had it not happened. See below:

My point of view... as an atheist.

I believe anyone who feels like cutting in their penis should be allowed to do so.

However, doing it on someone who is newly born and doesnt have a say is in my view considered to be torture and should be prosecuted.

i have a friend whos parents are jewish... he however doesnt really fall for teh godstuff, and he kind of hate them for having cut his penis to shreds.

Mainly because the girls go "wtf is that" when they see it...

And of course, it makes the penis less sensitive, and I and probably any other man kind of likes a sensitive penis, for various reasons;)

So feel free to cut away, but forcing it on someone should be illegal.

EDIT: For me the question boils down to: who does the penis belong to? The child or the parents? For me the answer is simple.

Still think I am just trying to portray those who disagree with me as fanatics?

What are the benefits?

As I have said before, some are medical, and some are social/esthetic:

1) Reduced risk of STDs
2) Women (in my experience) find it more attractive and are more willing to perform certain "services"
3) Easier maintenance
4) Reduced risk of cancer
5) (In my son's case) Looking the same as his father and hence feeling "normal" (that was my wife's main reason for supporting the decision, along with the esthetic issue)

So, what are the drawbacks of circumcision?

It's good to be suspicious about any fixed goal for which the rationale is constantly shifting.

I am not the one with a fixed goal Lemur, you are. I am not trying to convince you to circumcise your children; I couldn't care less what you do with your kids. In fact, if you're not circumcised, I think it's probably a better decision not to circumcise your own kids (see #5 above). On the other hand, you have been doing your best this thread to convince everybody else how evil circumcision is backed up by only vague references to how "it's bad for the childrens."

My rationale has not been shifting. I have maintained the same reasoning the entire thread.