The Skoptzy

Abstract

Partial or complete amputation of the external sexual organs is an ancient practice that is not limited to Judaism or Islam. Although Christian dogma is officially opposed to sexual mutilations such as castration and circumcision, a variety of Christian religious sects have arisen down through the ages whose members have imitated the act of self-mutilation performed by Origen, an early father of the Christian Church. The fact that there are seventy-two eunuchs to be found in the list of Christian saints indicates the special place castration has earned in traditional Christianity.

Editors’ note: Some Christian sects practiced sexual mutilation, including partial or complete amputation of the testicles and penis. A sect in Russia, which began this practice in 1757, and which continues to the present day, is described. Proselytizing among unsuspecting peasants, the leaders of this sect promised converts that redemption would follow mutilation. The underlying motivation, for castration was that sexuality led to damnation. Circumcision may follow similar reasoning.