Whoa! Polygamist solution is frightening... - Page 20

ChristopherHall · #**191** 04-16-2008, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgcraig

Has NOTHING to do with laws of the land now.

I know and I agree. My question isn't one of legality. Certainly it's illegal and I believe we should prosecute adults who take advantage of minors. My question is only a question of culture. In many cultures throughout the world it's not uncommon to marry as early as 14. I'm just curious about why we decided that the age of marriage be significantly higher than what is found in the majority of human history and cultures? It's just a cultural question sis.

ChristopherHall · #**192** 04-16-2008, 08:49 AM

I heard on Fox News this morning that the call claiming abuse may have been bogus. The government may have stormed into these people's lives over a disgruntled neighbor's false accusation. Of course there's also a claim of an informant and we don't know what the warrant papers stated; hopefully there was a real crime taking place.

Cindy · #**193** 04-16-2008, 08:53 AM

In biblical times they were betrothed at young ages not sure what the average marriage age was for women, as the bible recorded men's ages but very few of the women. Someone mentioned Mary and Joseph, remember the bible says she was his espoused wife, which meant they weren't married yet, so we really don't know how old either of them were. And I am not sure if these practices are all that common even in the Middle East, although I have heard of some Asian countries practicing this, but while they have arranged marriages they are not married that young in reality.

revrandy · #**194** 04-16-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristopherHall

What was the typical age of marriage in biblical times?

Certainly in modern America marriage to a girl below the age of consent would be a criminal offense. My question is would a man marrying a woman so young be considered immoral in biblical times?

So you condone 13 year olds getting married?...

Thank God our Culture is NOT the same... as those in Biblical Times... if indeed it happened...

ChristopherHall · #**195** 04-16-2008, 08:56 AM

From what I'm finding the legal age of marriage in ancient Judaism was 12 for females and 14 for males, but only with parental permission.

ChristopherHall · #**196** 04-16-2008, 08:56 AM

From what I'm finding the legal age of marriage in ancient Judaism was 12 for females and 14 for males, but only with parental permission.

Don't get me wrong. I just found it an interesting question. Certainly modern society is very different. It appears that in the ancient world kids grew up rather quickly.

revrandy · #**197** 04-16-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristopherHall

From what I'm finding the legal age of marriage in ancient Judaism was 12 for females and 14 for males, but only with parental permission.

In the Old West, girls as young as 12 were married... so what???

It is completely child abuse and what does it matter concerning Judaism..It was wrong then and it's wrong now...

Cindy · #**198** 04-16-2008, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristopherHall

I know and I agree. My question isn't one of legality. Certainly it's illegal and I believe we should prosecute adults who take advantage of minors. My question is only a question of culture. In many cultures throughout the world it's not uncommon to marry as early as 14. I'm just curious about why we decided that the age of marriage be significantly higher than what is found in the majority of human history and cultures? It's just a cultural question sis.

Brother Hall,
It is not relevant in the US. Simply because our culture is that most commonly 18 or older is the average age for girls to be married. Our culture does not practice polygamy nor is it common for pre-teen and teenage girls to marry much older men. If Mr. Jeffs is the one who performed the marriage ceremonies I am not really sure if the marriages are considered legal in Texas because of bigamy laws. In other cultures they do not have the same laws. Those cultures you refer to believe girls are pretty much just property and disposable, and physical abuse is common. That's why we can't compare them, because they are entirely different.

revrandy · #**199** 04-16-2008, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cneasttx

Brother Hall,
It is not relevant in the US. Simply because our culture is that most commonly 18 or older is the average age for girls to be married. Our culture does not practice polygamy nor is it common for pre-teen and teenage girls to marry much older men. If Mr. Jeffs is the one who performed the marriage ceremonies I am not really sure if the marriages are considered legal in Texas because of bigamy laws. In other cultures they do not have the same laws. Those cultures you refer to believe girls are pretty much just property and disposable, and physical abuse is common. That's why we can't compare them, because they are entirely different.

Great Post!

Cindy · #**200** 04-16-2008, 09:07 AM

Thank you Rev. Randy, it is not like these people came from another country and brought their culture with them, they have been law breakers for years and use relegion to hide behind. And just because this is all these girls and women have ever known does not mean they should continue to be abused. The leader and adults have taught them it is normal. I think some of these kids have gotten enough of a glance at the "real world" outside their compound and realized it is not common for pre-teen and teenage girls to be treated this way.