A note to faith-based homeschoolers
We've published a concise guide to newborn male circumcision because many Bible‑believing homeschooling families face questions about how to obey biblical instruction while also weighing modern medical information and parental concerns. The guide explains history, religious context, and practical options so parents can make informed, faith‑consistent decisions.
1. Family size patterns and why they matter
Fact: As noted in this graph of family size in the U.S. overall vs homeschool families (1976–2026) [and the estimated number of US hospital circumcisions during that half century], family sizes have declined over decades; homeschool families commonly have more children. [Sources: Pew Research and Census/NCHS summaries showing falling fertility/household-with-children rates.] Most public school children nowadays have only one or two siblings who all share the same birth mother and father, but most homeschooled children have a larger number of siblings than that.
Why it matters: Families with numerous sons are more likely to encounter repeated decisions about newborn procedures, making accessible, reliable guidance especially useful.
2. Medical and cultural shifts
Observation: Public opinion and medical doctors' assessment of routine newborn circumcision has changed; many parents now seek alternatives or more information--or they simply discard the idea of having their newborn sons circumcised. [Sources: Eric M. Johnson, “Baby circumcisions in U.S. hospitals,” Reuters. 8/22/2013 and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Medical Risks and Benefits of Newborn Male Circumcision in the United States: Physician Perspective,” Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care, 2014.]
Because of parents’ new awareness of problems with full removal of the foreskin, it can be expected that fewer homeschoolers (who have some of the largest numbers of sons) will be choosing to have their newborns circumcised. This is because scarcely any of the parents are aware of a third option: a mild circumcision of only the skin at the tip of the infant’s foreskin. More information will assist with how homeschool families handle biblical circumcision
3. A frequently overlooked option
Practical point: Some parents are unaware of less‑extreme options (for example, conservative foreskin‑sparing approaches) and of how terminology and technique vary. The guide explains terminology and options so parents can discuss them with their clinician.
4. Faith, doubt, and practical obedience
Spiritual concerns: When modern practices differ from ancient biblical commands, some parents may feel conflicted. Parents are apt to discard the biblical teaching about circumcision because something seems not right about it. If they think about it at all, they will be doubting or at least questioning the reason and continuing relevance of what the Lord commanded Abraham nearly four thousand years ago. That doubt is at the heart of why we have researched and presented this guide. It focuses on restoring confidence in His ways by explaining historical practice, scriptural background, and how families can obey faithfully in a modern medical context.
Clarification: Obedience in these practices is presented as spiritual formation and familial discipline, not as substitution for core salvation theology. Our motivation for our work on this guide is not so much about the topic, important as that is, but about the doubts that can shake the faith of Bible believers who want to follow His command but cannot understand how to obey this one. That is why we at Homeschool How-Tos have also produced guides to other biblically commanded topics including the Sabbath, the biblical holy days of Leviticus 21, the women’s veiling, the man’s wearing of tzitzits, and not eating pork. In each of these guides we are hoping to educate Bible-believing families so that it will become apparent that the Word of God still applies today and that God’s commands are still for our benefit. Obedience in each of these areas has rich personal and relational benefits, though none of these obediences are the grounds for our eternal salvation. That was handled conclusively two thousand years ago by the Savior’s sacrificial death on the cross for each repentant soul. Our aim is to increase our faith and trust in the God of the Bible. As parents, we all want to set a good example for our children and also to train them how to examine difficult passages of scripture and desire to heed them, where applicable. Another benefit of the information parents can gather from this guide is that they will be better able to teach children about biblical circumcision using age-appropriate terminology.
What the guide includes
- History of biblical circumcision and how practices evolved
- Medical overview and balanced discussion of risks and options (with sources)
- Practical steps: how to talk with your pediatrician, what questions to ask, and enough information for you to formulate your own consent language.
- Faith context: scripture, information resources, and family discussion tips
Short FAQ
Q: Is partial or gentler circumcision an option?
A: Yes: the little-known option, as was done in ancient times, is a relatively nonintrusive, low pain procedure on the 8th day after his birth, snipping the very front edge of the foreskin that overhangs the penis. As always, seek medical consultation, and consult authoritative sources (including a large number of sources in the 6-page bibliography of the guide).
Q: How do I discuss this with a doctor?
A: Begin by noting the evidence that not all doctors agree about the benefits of circumcision as done today; some are reluctant to recommend the procedure. Explain what you have learned about the distinction between the brit peri’ah and the much gentler brit milah. Discuss what you have learned about the dozen benefits of retaining the foreskin, explain your religious conviction that some degree of circumcision is appropriate, and ask the care provider to provide the needed service and to do the procedure on the 8th day after your baby’s delivery. (See the full guide for more details.)
What's next?
Download our full newborn circumcision guide to get source‑backed history, step‑by‑step conversation scripts for clinicians, and faith‑centered guidance for busy homeschooling families. Get the newborn circumcision guide.
