October 23rd, 2009
1 He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD.
Deuteronomy 23 is made up of various rules and laws, most of which are very silly. This particular verse contains a law that specifically denies those who have been castrated or otherwise wounded in the genitals from entering a congregation.
What are these people doing at church that requires the use of your genitals? Keep in mind that it is the wound that prevents their entry into congregation. This could be a battle wound, it could be an accident, or it could be anything and may not necessarily be the fault of the wounded. Why, then, are they punished?
Perhaps this isn’t a punishment. Perhaps it is a gift. Maybe God feels so bad about a man being wounded in the junk that he decides to let him sleep in on Sundays.
Additionally, what about circumcision? The foreskin is removed during this operation and is required by the Old Law. Obviously, people who are circumcised are allowed to enter church, but this suggests that the amount cut off is of great importance. Does the entire phallus have to be removed for this law to apply? When it comes to removing part of the genitals, how much is too much? Additionally, do they have to check everyone before they enter? Is there a greeter cupping all the men as they walk in?