I don't argue about "souls" or "serving gods." Those things mean nothing to me.
I knew that from the start, based on your logic. The US government protects you from religion, and protects the religious from persecution. It is not meant for those who do not believe to impose their will on those who do.
And how can it not be called "forced"?
It is being raised in a household of parents who have a certain belief, and would like their children to follow in that belief. The government cannot, and should not step in on such raising of children. Otherwise, the government might as well strip all parents of all rights, and completely institutionalize everyone when they are born.
If Sally's mom doesn't want her 12 year old daughter to be out past 5 O'clock in the summer, it isn't illegal for the mother to force her daughter to come home under her rules. Nor is it illegal to force another mother to tell their 12 year old daughter to be home by 9.
They are both different beliefs of what the parents think are appropriate for their own child. And since Christians, Jews, and Muslims are in the business of "saving souls," it is entirely appropriate they raise their children in such a way to hopefully save their own kids' souls. And the government has no say in this whatsoever.
Does the baby have a say? Can it argue against your decision? Or is it being held down forcefully, possibly crying and screaming?
No. On all three questions, obviously. But all those questions are framed in a biased manner.
1. The baby has no say. Much like any child living under their parent's roof has any say in what they are and/or are not allowed to do.
2. No. Any more than any child living under their parent's roof should be allowed to argue. Older children have the ABILITY to argue, but those arguments should not sway a good parent's decisions for what they think is good for the child. If the parents want to feed their child broccoli, and the child wants cupcakes instead, the parent obviously knows broccoli is better for their child's health. It is no different with circumcision. Parents strongly belief it is a necessary part in the spiritual life of the child. And the spiritual life is just as important as the physical life. Usually even more so.
3. Is the baby boy being held down forcefully? No. Otherwise, the child would be hurt in other places, like maybe bruises on the arms, legs, chest, etc.
4. Does the baby cry and scream? Maybe. Sometimes they do and sometimes they don't. All babies sometimes cry and scream. It could be because they are hungry, sleepy, or want their mommy. Crying and screaming doesn't necessarily indicate pain.
