Deuteronomy 21:18-21

[rben20]

How exactly do you explain this to not just non-catholics, but catholics as well? This is immoral and even odd because the book of deuteronomy also contains the moral code, the Ten Commandments. I was surprised to find this in the bible…how could stoning of our children ever be the right thing to do?

 

[GerardMajella]

“An understanding of the full meaning of this passage must revolve around two teachings of the Sages: (a) The death penalty imposed on this youngster is not because of the gravity of any sins he actually performed, but because his behavior makes it clear that he will degenerate into a monstrous human being…(b) So many detailed requirements are derived exegetically from this passage that it is virtually impossible for such a case ever to occur. Indeed, the Sages state that there never was and never will be a capital case involving such a son. If so, many commentators contend, the passage must be understood as an implied primer for parents on how to inculcate values into their children.” (Stone Edition of the Chumash, p. 1047).

 

[AndrewA]

We are not the Jews of 5700(or however long ago ) years ago.
We should follow the law of our land and call the police on such a criminal.
We have confession so that our sins may be forgiven; we no longer have need of stoning each other. (actually that’s what the death penalty is for…)

 

[Robbinson]

“An understanding of the full meaning of this passage must revolve around two teachings of the Sages: (a) The death penalty imposed on this youngster is not because of the gravity of any sins he actually performed, but because his behavior makes it clear that he will degenerate into a monstrous human being…(b) So many detailed requirements are derived exegetically from this passage that it is virtually impossible for such a case ever to occur. Indeed, the Sages state that there never was and never will be a capital case involving such a son. If so, many commentators contend, the passage must be understood as an implied primer for parents on how to inculcate values into their children.” (Stone Edition of the Chumash, p. 1047).

 

[chosen_people]

How exactly do you explain this to not just non-catholics, but catholics as well? This is immoral and even odd because the book of deuteronomy also contains the moral code, the Ten Commandments. I was surprised to find this in the bible…how could stoning of our children ever be the right thing to do?

The Talmud teaches that there never was nor will there ever be a capital case involving such a son. A single example, he would not be liable to the court’s authority if he was not yet a bar mitzvah of 13, yet the Torah speaks of a son subject to his parent’s authority. The passage must be seen in what it intends to teach - for example that that the father and mother must have similar voices and not contradict themselves in what they they expect of themselves and their child, for consistency is basic to success in child rearing. Or the message that the parents love of God must supercede their love of their children and if the Torah commands it, to even hand their son over to the court. That unless a society has values that come above normal human emotions, that society will crumble, and children will become the enemies of what their parents revere. (there are of course many many other points to the passage).