GNAMA1974-13
6 Answers
Colleen
She married Joseph and accompanied him to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. In keeping with Jewish custom, the betrothal would have taken place when she was around 12, and the birth of Jesus about a year later. So she would have been 13 years old. Pedophilia was accepted practice in those days.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_(mother_of_Jesus)
| 11 years ago. Rating: 5 | |
The life expectancy in those days most likely wasn't much past 40, if that. I doubt a child had much of a childhood, as we know it, even in a wealthy home. Since we are on a basic disagreement from the beginning (you don't believe in the immaculate conception and I do), it's probable we won't agree on much else regarding this question.
Adam 930
Methusaleh 969
Noah 959
Shem 600
Eber 464
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WhidbeyTomasDigger, we can't presume to evaluate what is possible for a God with our imperfect understanding. Though we've made great progress in uncovering the secrets of the universe, history tells us our understandings are doomed to be overturned - in some important way. We understand in part and presume to judge as if we understand in full. If you choose to accept a religion, you'll have to take much on faith.
Interestingly, Einstein initially rejected quantum physics because he felt it suggested God simply rolled the dice in creating the world. He apply his limited understanding and in doing so judged what is possible for a human God.
Bob/PKB
My personal opinion is that Mary being pregnant wasn't odd in the least.
| 11 years ago. Rating: 5 | |
While I appreciate Colleen's passion, and I agree that a strict interpretation of Mary's age suggests inappropriate and unhealthy practices, it is important to judge the story of Mary and Joseph in context.
It is a religious story (a true story - for me). It is not intended as a recommendation for others. There is not evidence that Christians emulate the story of Mary and Joseph in marital practice. The person who attempts to justify such a marital relationship in their life with this story can find ways to justify abortion, divorce, and even murder with stories from the bible.
Colleen, I applaud your effort. Don't complicate your challenge by making good people, people who would otherwise support your effort, your enemy.
| 11 years ago. Rating: 4 | |
Tommyh
robertgrist
The question is how old was Mary when Jesus was born….We started counting time in years around 600AD. (Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century). Before that full moons were popular 13.944 moon cycles per year approximately. Diggers response of :
Adam 930 66.69 years
Methusaleh 969 69.49 years
Noah 959 /13.944=68.7 years
Shem 600 43.02 years
Eber 464 33.28 years
The word "Ketubah" comes from the root Kaf-Tav-Beit, meaning " writing. .... The minimum age for marriage under Jewish law is 13 for boys, 12 for girls; ...
This time line is an approximation in terms of years. 181.2 moons for boys and 167.328 moons for girls.
| 11 years ago. Rating: 3 | |
mycatsmom
scholars say she was 15 or 16. Women got married young then, b/c they didn't live very long. The average age at death was 35 or 40......b/c there were no antibiotics .
| 11 years ago. Rating: 2 | |
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