Poll: Couple uses Bible passages to justify beating adopted siblings

I’ve always been skeptical of folks who use a literal translation of any holy text to justify what could best be described as extreme actions.

Take for instance the case of a North Jersey couple that has used Bible verses to justify the beating of adopted siblings they wanted to mimic the behavior of their biological children.

The couple, Carolyn and John Jackson, are being accused of abusing the adopted children — two girls and a boy. Testifying against them is their 16 year old biological son – who’s been released from their custody.

He told jurors that the punishment lasted several years during which they used a paddle, a belt and a ruler to beat the three young children they had adopted.

In one case, according to the teen, they force-fed one child raw onions as a punishment for sneaking food.

“He said his parents pointed out passages in the Book of Proverbs, including: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction will drive it out,” and, “He who spares the rod hates his child, but he who loves his child disciplines him accordingly.”

Apparently there are other charges that prosecutors have lodged against them, including breaking their bones, not seeking medical attention for them.

They’ve been charged with conspiracy to endanger the welfare of a child, endangering the welfare of a child and assault.

Since they live at the Picatinny Arsenal, they’re being tried in Federal Court in Newark – and are currently free on bail.

The Bible is not on trial here, but the individuals who take Bible passages to justify their own hideous behavior.

One can point to countless instances where holy texts were used throughout history to justify acts of barbarism.

Are these “parents” completely nuts for using the Bible to justify how they “disciplined” their children?