(Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State, 2006) Papu, J.; Verster, P.
English: Among the Xhosa of South Africa, male circumcision remains a very important ritual.
The question as to whether Christians should accept these rites and continue to send
their children to traditional schools practising it is very important. In this article the
implications of the ritual and the way in which proponents use the Bible are evaluated.
It is argued that there should be an honest encounter with the rite from a biblical
perspective. Solutions should be evaluated and explained. From a Christian perspective
total rejection is not possible, but the church should remain faithful to the
truth of the gospel.