freedomofreligion.myfreeforum.org

Llinn · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:39 am Post subject: Texas children

Do we think that the circumstances surrounding the situation in Texas is really because they are "pure" or "fundamentalist" Mormons or do we think that the group in Texas is a cult following Jeffs.

Do their beliefs rise to the level of child abuse if they are teaching that a woman's purpose is only to become a mother?

Is it more moral for marriages to occur between a man of 50 and a girl of 18 than between an adult man and a girl underage?

ReasoningFilly · Bronze Star Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 178

Well Llinn, IMO, you summed it up quite well with your wording!

To me, it's gross and abusive at any angle.

Llinn · Posted: Wed Jun 11, 2008 1:26 pm Post subject:

It's really and truly gross, but is it really abusive. This is sort of an extreme viewpoint, but it's not actually very different from run-of-the-mill christian faiths. I've always been real fond of that bit in the old testament about how a woman is supposed to "bend her will to her husband's, as an ox to the yoke".

Excuse me, speaking as the cow here, I'm not real fond of yokes of any kind. And I'm fairly certain that possession of a penis is not sufficient to get the deciding vote at all times. So, no christian here.

But just because we think they're disgusting and vile, is it abuse.

Llinn

DurhamDawg · Sliver STAR Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 225

I would say that abuse is the natural and eventual result of their beliefs. Perhaps not all of the children that were taken from the compound were being sexually abused, but they would be eventually (at least the girls).

As for the age differences, that's kind of a gray area, but society has to draw the line somewhere, whether it's at 16 or 18 or whatever age. Perhaps there are arguments to be made for lowering the age of consent. I personally think 14 isn't unreasonable, assuming comprehensive sex education is in play (which it isn't for the FLDS kids).
_________________
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so." - Mark Twain

ReasoningFilly · Bronze Star Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 178

I see what you're saying DDawg.

I know that everyone is different. Heck, I didn't have sex until I was 20 years old! I know, I know...unheard of!

Then, on the other hand, I found out that my niece was going at it at the age of 14!!! Blech!!! But that was consentual, it was her choice...not something that was forced upon her!

DurhamDawg · Sliver STAR Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 225

When I was 14 I had a boyfriend who was 19. I never felt taken advantage of by him. We had a loving and consensual relationship.

I think society needs to be realistic. It's simply a fact that kids in their early and mid teens are starting to have sexual desires. Best to prepare them for it and give them the information they need to behave responsibly. Pretending that they aren't interested in sex or pressuring them to make unrealistic celibacy pledges really doesn't serve anyone.
_________________
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so." - Mark Twain

ReasoningFilly · Bronze Star Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 178

I feel the same as you, DDawg! Choices!!!

Plus, everyone matures at a different rate. I know for a fact that I was very immature, even at the age of 18. I was what is considered to be a 'square'. I didn't date, I didn't drink, I didn't go riding around on the weekends with friends. I was pretty much what was called a 'good girl'. (What a stupid phrase) LOL!

DurhamDawg · Sliver STAR Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 225

But happily, you've grown out of that "good girl" phase.....
_________________
"Faith is believing what you know ain't so." - Mark Twain

ReasoningFilly · Bronze Star Joined: 03 Feb 2007 Posts: 178

LOL, hubby is the REALLY happy one!!!