Abstract:
Circumcision originated from ancient religious (biblical) and cultural societies. Study has
shown that in both the biblical (Israelite) context and among the Karanga people in
Zimbabwe circumcision emerged as a rite of passage for a boy child’s entry into manhood.
Modern societies promulgate circumcision as a preventive method against HIV and AIDS.
The present study argues that circumcision tends to promote irresponsible sexual behaviour
and trivialises the sacredness of sex. (1) To safeguard societies against the belief that
circumcision prevents HIV and AIDS. (2) To sensitise societies that abstinence and condom
usage will serve as preventive methods against HIV and AIDS. The study utilises two
complimentary methods: (1) comparative literary method which examines both biblical and
cultural initiation procedures and (2) qualitative research method in which an interview
forms part of the data pool. The potential of a scientific contribution towards transforming
both the mind and lifestyle can be guaranteed. The number of individuals opting to be
circumcised will decline, and abstinence and condom usage should be promoted towards
the prevention of HIV and AIDS. In both ancient Israel and among the Karanga people
of Zimbabwe, circumcision was performed as a religious and cultural procedure. In both
contexts circumcision was regarded as a rite of passage to prepare a boy child for entry into
manhood. The article argued that circumcision does not prevent HIV and AIDS. To the
contrary, circumcision tends to endorse promiscuity and unprotected sex, with a potential of
increasing HIV and AIDS prevalence.
