Actually the circumcision that was practiced in Biblical times was significantly different from the form of circumcision that is practiced today. In Biblical times, circumcision just referred to cutting off the part of the foreskin that overhangs off the glans, leaving the glans largely covered. This preserves most of the functions of the foreskin.
The Rabinical leadership changed circumcision to be more radical, removing more tissue roughly around the year 140 A.D. This was changed because Jewish men were stretching their foreskin remnants to totally cover their glanses, in order to assimilate with the dominant Greek society. Greek culture embraced nudity, but saw the exposed glans as indicating an erection, and therefor obscene to show in public.
Actually the circumcision that was practiced in Biblical times was significantly different from the form of circumcision that is practiced today. In Biblical times, circumcision just referred to cutting off the part of the foreskin that overhangs off the glans, leaving the glans largely covered. This preserves most of the functions of the foreskin.
The Rabinical leadership changed circumcision to be more radical, removing more tissue roughly around the year 140 A.D. This was changed because Jewish men were stretching their foreskin remnants to totally cover their glanses, in order to assimilate with the dominant Greek society. Greek culture embraced nudity, but saw the exposed glans as indicating an erection, and therefor obscene to show in public.
Here's an illustration of the difference between the forms of circumcision