Azmi Sharom
When Man was lucky to live past 30, starting a family young might have made sense, but with lifespans having expanded many-fold, surely children should not be pressed into the rigours of adulthood
IN THE 19th century, slavery was still legal in many parts of the world. Societies which allowed for this practice often found justification for slavery in the scripture. Neither the Bible nor the Quran specifically disallows slavery.
To be fair, there are verses in both books which might be interpreted to discourage it, but if you are looking for any lines that say “slavery is bad, don’t do it, at all, ever,” well, you are in for a long search.
However, the cruelty of slavery soon became too much for people to endure. Values were changing and what was once deemed normal, became repulsive. This being the case, both Christian and Muslim scholars had to rethink the way they looked at the issue.
Many of the abolitionists at this time were Christians who chose to look at the “spirit” of the Bible, rather than specific verses, to oppose slavery from a religious perspective. Muslim scholars, while accepting that slavery was allowed in principle, concluded that it led to such cruel practices that it was no longer acceptable.
By the beginning of the 20th century, slavery was a thing of the past. Sure, it still happens, it happens today, but it is no longer legal, and stories of its existence are met with outrage.
In other words, values change and societies change with them regardless of earlier practices.
Another example from the 19th century is the age of consent for girls. Up till 1874, the age of consent for girls in England was 12. This was then raised to 13 in 1875. About a decade later, it was raised to 16 where it remains today.
written by AlwaysFair, March 22, 2010 12:51:10
The bible dealt primarily with Man's relationship with his creator God, how much he loves us and what he expects of us. The main thrust is to restore man's relationship with God , when Jesus came 2000 years ago many Jews thought he was going to overthrow the Romans who conquered the Jews, they were expecting a deliverer but were subsequently disappointed when he was crucified. He came to establish God's kingdom in man's hearts to defeat satan's kingdom. In fact many non-jews such as romans and even slaves became believers.
He came not to set free slaves physically but spiritually. ( To be slave to sin and satan or to God)
He came not to overthrow the Romans and establish an earthly rule. (kingdom of heaven is in our hearts)
He came for all. (jews, non-Jews and all races)
He came for all male or female, high born or low born.
In fact in the book of Philemon a run-away slave was converted by Paul, an apostle and ask to return to his master, whom Paul wrote to to ask him to forgive the slave.
But in the spirit of GRACE and also because of how slaves were being abused and denied their rights, slavery was subsequently abolished because it was considered an abuse against human rights.
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written by AlwaysFair, March 22, 2010 12:25:41
They should not be practised to discriminate against anyone by by-passing the satutory laws.
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written by eloofk, March 19, 2010 23:49:49
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written by Angela Ooi, March 19, 2010 21:29:45
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written by cheekhiaw, March 19, 2010 18:18:17
xxx
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written by eloofk, March 19, 2010 16:13:01
Parents who are so primitive in his/her thinking of not providing protection for their child should ask themselves what right have they got to bring the child out into the world if they cant even provide food, shelter and protection for their child.
The full force of the law must be applied in the case of the Kelantan father. This is a case of cruelty, abuse and neglect against the child.
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Everything is different today, the same law a thousand years ago should not be applied today because it is no longer relevant. Besides, many people got away even though their offense is obviously worst. Why is there a double standard for the Syariah law?
Corporal punishment and public humiliation is frowned upon, caning of women is frowned upon, marry off 11 year old daughter is just plain sick. The time has change, people could no longer sit still and accept what is thrown their way, men and women are educated and know their rights, even children have better things to do than fulfilling dirty old husbands sexual needs.