Circumsision, whilst being a covenant with God in the Jewish faith, likely had much to do as well in the realm of personal hygiene in the days of primitive man. It is my understanding that a circumsised individual is much less susceptible to bacterial infection of the penis because it is easier to clean when the foreskin is not present.
Modern medical science has come a long way. Circumsision is largely unnecessary nowadays, in terms of the health benefits. I believe the symbolism is what keeps it going.
Much like how refraining from eating pork is now more symbolic than anything. With the tools at our disposal in this day and age, eating properly prepared pork is as safe as any other properly prepared meat. But back in those old days, they couldn't do it as well as we could today. Eating pork back then probably was quite dangerous. It's not like fish, something you can practically eat straight out of the water.
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