[John O]

As for the law of the land, recall that Judaism (and Islam) does not take the same harsh view of divorce that Christianity does.

As I understand it, Orthodox Judaism treats divorce exactly as Christianity does. At least that's what their scriptures command. Islam is a moon god worshipping cult that has no connection to Christianity or to the values upon which this country was founded and as such can be ignored in this discussion. (truthfully it should be ignored in all cases except for the attention needed to eradicate it)

The bar to divorce should be set very high for families with children.

Marriage is for life. Divorce should almost never happen.

me->If they are committing criminal conduct (such as battery or assault) then obviously they are unbelieving.

you->That's like saying that Christians never sin. There are many serious crimes that do not conflict with one's Christian beliefs, i.e. treason.

If they are disobeying the law, in cases where the law does not contradict scripture, then they are sinning. We are commanded to submit ourself to those placed in authority over us.

The point I was making is that a truly believing Christian would not abuse his wife or children. (note that he will spank his children, spanking is not abuse). Abuse doesn't square with biblical principles in general or with commands on how to treat our spouses in specific.

(one possible exception to the above paragraph is the case of the mentally ill. He may still believe but be too damaged to do anything with it.)

[Looking for Diogenes]

As I understand it, Orthodox Judaism treats divorce exactly as Christianity does. At least that's what their scriptures command.

What scripture? I think you are mistaken.

Deut 24:1 If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house,

If they are disobeying the law, in cases where the law does not contradict scripture, then they are sinning. We are commanded to submit ourself to those placed in authority over us.
The point I was making is that a truly believing Christian would not abuse his wife or children. (note that he will spank his children, spanking is not abuse).

Now wait a minute. You are dead set against divorce, but it is OK if a spouse violated some civil law? No divorce except in cases of adultery or speeding tickets? And abuse does not include physically beating someone?

I'm sure your heart is in the right place, but your logic is a little skewed.