Yahweh's chosen people penis circumcision covenant [ "male genital mutilation" (MGM) deal ], its evidenced_independent origins/ practices in older cultures unrelated to Brahamic traditions.

 

Circumcision has been practiced for thousands of years and predates recorded history in many cultures, including African tribes. The exact origins of circumcision are difficult to pinpoint due to the lack of written records, but archaeological and anthropological evidence suggests its use in Africa as part of cultural, religious, or initiation practices.

As for Abraham a foundational figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam allegedly from Ur of the Chaldeans, [ Tall al-Muqayyar ] now  in  Dhi Qar Governorate of southern Iraq, described in religious texts such as the Bible and Quran, has no basis in reality, his historicity remains elusive, a topic of myth, contention and debate in top echelons of academia and among scholars.  

No direct archaeological evidence confirms Abraham's existence, the stories surrounding him likely reflect oral local tales and traditions passed down through generations.

The connection between circumcision and Abraham in religious contexts stems from the covenant described in the Bible (Genesis 17), where circumcision is established as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants. However, its independent origins and practices in African and other cultures suggest that it evolved in multiple regions for various reasons, unrelated to Abrahamic traditions.

"Who Were the True Custodians of the Old Testament? A Covenant Misunderstood"

The Old Testament, revered as sacred scripture by billions worldwide, is often considered foundational to Western religious traditions. However, its origins and practices reflect a deeply Semitic world, far removed from European cultural and historical roots. 

One of the most distinct markers of this origin is the practice of circumcision, a ritual that Yahweh commanded as a sign of His covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:9–14). This covenantal act, integral to the identity of the Israelites, sets the stage for a compelling question: Can Europeans, for whom circumcision was historically alien, truly claim to be the original custodians of the Old Testament tradition?

The Covenant of Circumcision: A Non-European Legacy

Circumcision, as introduced in the Old Testament, was not merely a health or cultural practice—it was a divine mandate. For the Israelites, it served as an unbroken symbol of their bond with Yahweh, a physical mark distinguishing them as His chosen people. 

This practice was deeply embedded in Semitic traditions and carried profound spiritual significance. In contrast, ancient European societies such as the Greeks and Romans not only lacked this practice but often viewed it with disdain. The Greeks, in particular, associated circumcision with "barbarian" customs and found it contrary to their ideals of bodily perfection. The Romans tolerated it as a marker of Jewish identity but did not adopt it themselves.

The absence of circumcision in European history underscores a cultural and spiritual divergence. For millennia, Europeans remained disconnected from the covenantal practice that defined the Old Testament's original followers. This suggests that the foundational elements of this tradition were inherently foreign to European peoples, reinforcing the Semitic identity of its original custodians.

European Adoption: Integration, Not Inheritance

The spread of Christianity into Europe marked a seismic shift in the relationship between Europeans and the Old Testament. Early Christian leaders, such as Paul, de-emphasized circumcision as a requirement for salvation, declaring that faith in Christ superseded the old laws (Galatians 5:6). This theological pivot was instrumental in Christianity's growth among Gentiles, but it also signaled a departure from the practices that defined the covenant with Abraham. In this way, European Christianity represented an adoption and reinterpretation of Old Testament traditions rather than an ancestral inheritance.

By integrating these Semitic texts into their religious framework, Europeans embraced the spiritual wisdom of the Old Testament while distancing themselves from its original practices. This adoption was not an act of custodianship but of cultural and theological adaptation, shaped by the priorities and worldview of a distinctly non-Semitic audience.

The Broader Implications

The notion of Europeans as the custodians of Old Testament traditions becomes increasingly problematic when viewed through this lens. If circumcision—a practice Yahweh deemed essential—is absent from European history, it challenges the idea of an unbroken lineage of stewardship. Instead, the Old Testament’s journey into Europe reflects the transformative power of religion to transcend its origins and adapt to new cultural landscapes. This transformation, while significant, does not equate to custodianship in the traditional sense.

Additionally, it invites a reevaluation of how religious authority and legitimacy are constructed. The European domination of Abrahamic narratives, from theological interpretations to artistic depictions, has often obscured the Semitic roots of these traditions. The portrayal of Biblical figures as European and the erasure of Semitic practices like circumcision reveal a deeper trend of cultural appropriation and rebranding.

The evidence is clear: the Old Testament, with its covenantal foundation of circumcision, belongs to a Semitic tradition that is inherently non-European. While Europeans have played a significant role in shaping the global reach of these scriptures through Christianity, their relationship to the Old Testament is one of adoption and reinterpretation, not custodianship. Recognizing this distinction is not merely an academic exercise—it is a step toward honoring the origins of these sacred texts and the people for whom they were first given.

Greco-Roman Times:

Some Greeks and Romans encountered circumcision through their interactions with Jewish and Egyptian communities. However, the practice was largely alien and often viewed negatively in classical European societies. Romans associated it with foreign customs and considered it a marker of Jewish identity.

Christian Europe:

Early Christianity moved away from circumcision as a requirement, differentiating itself from Judaism. However, individuals converting to Judaism or Islam in medieval Europe may have undergone circumcision, though these cases are sparse and undocumented.

Colonial Contact with Africa:

European explorers, missionaries, and colonial administrators who traveled to regions where circumcision was widely practiced (such as among many African tribes) may have encountered the tradition. In rare cases, Europeans could have undergone circumcision during cultural integration or as a medical procedure.

Medical Circumcision in Europe:

Circumcision became more medically common in parts of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by British and American medical practices. Prominent figures like Prince Albert Edward (later King Edward VII) are rumored to have undergone circumcision, but this was for hygiene and medical reasons rather than cultural or tribal practices.

African Tribes and Early European Awareness:

Circumcision was widely practiced among African tribes as a rite of passage or for spiritual and hygienic reasons. When Europeans began documenting African cultures during the age of exploration and colonization, they noted these practices but did not widely adopt them themselves. European contact with these traditions might have influenced anthropological studies rather than direct participation.