[HollyB]

First, stop with the condescending bit. Puberty or when a girl start their cycle? Because it amounts to the same with your line of thinking.
Some girls start at 9 years old. What is the purpose of a menses? It sounds to me as if you are indicating that because something physiologically occurs, then it only makes sense that we are mature enough to marry. Not quite.

Physiological maturity does not equal emotional maturity or even intellectually ready.

[Norm Lenhart]

It is not condescending to state a fact. That fact is puberty is the body’s biological readiness for reproduction. Blame God, not me.

If you want to continue with your argument that young marriage is/was some sort of evil, then explain why puberty does not occur at an age more suited to your personal liking. Since we prefer our families to be married, why do you suppose it is that there should be an extended gap between puberty and marraige? Since history and this thread itself show how common youthful marriage has been in the past, perhaps it’s your refusal to accept the evidence of your eyes rather than history’s refusal to accommodate your prefrence that is the issue.

[SauronOfMordor]

Physiological maturity does not equal emotional maturity or even intellectually ready.

I know women in their 40's who are not emotionally or intellectually ready to be adults.

This is why parents used to be heavily involved in such decisions.

[SauronOfMordor]

Physiological maturity does not equal emotional maturity or even intellectually ready.

I know women in their 40's who are not emotionally or intellectually ready to be adults.

This is why parents used to be heavily involved in such decisions.