I agree with one age for all. There is a common but primitive belief in most societies that women are demeaned by sex, but men are glorified.

For that reason, I think a lot of people are deeply uncomfortable with the realisation that teenage girls are sexually aware. After all, what sort of trashy slut would want to disgrace herself by even thinking about sex before turning 21?

You responded to the less interesting part of Usual Suspect's post, Boaz, and totally ignored the bit that I thought was most intriguing.

Here's the bit you were happy with:

US >>Wouldn't it be MIUAYG?<<
BD >>I use U instead of Y..no special reason<<

And here's the bit you ignored

US >>If you're sticking to values of the bible, I'm sure in the old days a 13yo was considered mature enough to marry when the bible was written<<
BD >> <<

It is of far more interest to me - and to, I suggest, most people here - what your views on underage sex in biblical times might be, as opposed to your - somewhat sad, it must be pointed out - use of phone-text shorthand notation.

So, take a deep breath, and tell us Boaz. Where in the Bible do we find the appropriate age limits set out for us?

Did they perhaps make it up as they went, as well?

Or was there this divine command that said "fifteen bad, sixteen good"? After which everyone suddenly said, ah, thank goodness, now we don't have to wrestle with the rights and wrongs of that any more.

Don't try to sidetrack again into pre-marital sex, adultery or homosexuality, just address the question, which is the age of consent.

Specifically, since you introduced it as your evidence, what does the Bible say about the age of consent.

Chapter and Verse, please.

Fair Point Pericles.

"What does the Bible say about age of consent"?

There is no law, rule or command. NONE...

What there is though is this "Do for others as you would have them do for you"

Also, there is a record of human behavior when when read in its entirity, conveys the clear impression that common sense is good sense.

The reason I've not sought to make 'pronouncements' on what the age of consent should be, is that there nothing much to say about it in terms of 'Biblical law'...

The bible does not have an age of consent for SEX, it has a common sense age of MARRIAGE.. as I said..that emerges out of the totality of the record.

For example..there is NO example of a specific age being mentioned as there is with Islam. (Ayesha bretrothed at 6, consummated at 9)

My own namesake is partially indicative.

1/ Cared for Ruth as a kind of 'father figure' initially.
2/ When Naomi nudged Ruth to 'get in good with Boaz' he still did not take advantage of her (based on what the record 'actually' says)
3/ He tried to hook her up with the most appropriate kinsman by custom.
4/ When none was forth coming, he married her.
6/ Community approval was sought.

Sounds like 'common sense in the face of established custom and Biblical mandate' was at work there.

I find zero examples of 'children' being either played with sexually or married.

Yes, we might conclude that 'puberty' is a signal 'she is ready',but not for anything other than marraige. This is the point where community wisdom must prevail.
As I've said a few times, my wifes parents were married when mum was 12 and dad 14 (NOT 53!)... but they were more interested in playmates than taking the responsibilities (and joys) or marraige.

Even if they managed to produce a child at that age, the community all knew they were married and could support them as extended family.

AS TO LAW? :) sure..lets CHANGE the 'age of consent'..and make it 21!

*smile*

I waited until I could legally consent to seducing my 35 yo female teacher. Neither of us made headlines. Not even a mention in the school newsletter.

Interesting apologia, Boaz.

If I understand your example correctly, it would seem to boil down to:

>>Sounds like 'common sense in the face of established custom and Biblical mandate' was at work there<<

But since you do actually agree that the Bible is entirely silent on the matter:

>>There is no law, rule or command. NONE...<<

That only leaves "community wisdom".

How, exactly, does that differ from your concept of "making it up as you go?"

Because, as you also make clear:

>>Yes, of course atheists also have values..I've never denied that. What I have said is they don't have any foundation for them other than loud voices and personal choice<<

This is simply another way to describe the gestation of "community wisdom", is it not?

Clearly, the biblical folks are yet another example of people who MIUAUG, n'est-ce pas?

Seeker,
Said,"I waited until I could legally consent to seducing my 35 yo female teacher. Neither of us made headlines. Not even a mention in the school newsletter.+"

Perhaps seeker you could have mentioned you married a wife who was a 35 yr old school teacher. Therefore could legally seduce her.