The Pros and Cons of Male Circumcision: the Debate Continues

If you’re one of those who thinks the need for male circumcision is a forgone, scientific conclusion, think again.  In fact, the issue of male circumcision is as controversial as it ever was, with a wider and wider gap forming between those health professionals who advocate it and those who don’t.  And while there are well-known religious, social, and medical reasons why circumcision is often recommended, most major medical societies have now taken an impartial view of the procedure, neither recommending nor renouncing the practice.   Read more . . .

Ritual Music: Most Popular Rites of Passage Songs in the US

A Rite of Passage is a ritual event that marks a person’s progress from one social status to another.  It is a universal phenomenon which shows what social hierarchies, values, and beliefs are important to a specific culture.  Such ceremonies include those surrounding birth (christening), puberty, coming of age, marriage, and death.  Initiation ceremonies such as baptism, Confirmation, and bar or bat Mitzvah are also considered important rites of passage for people of their respective religions.  Traditionally, there is specific music played or performed that adds to the air of the ceremony--some of which is ceremonial in and of itself.  The following are the most popular songs played during these respective ceremonies in the United States.  Read more . . .