[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.

[John O]

I'll give you the Judaic allowance for divorce (but in Jesus' words "It was not always so")

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?

Divorce is allowed in cases of adultery OR in cases of abandonment, primarily by an unbelieving spouse. The violation of civil law was brought into the discussion to show that a lawbreaker, at least a habitual one, is not a believer and if they leave then we can let them go. Other instances of abandonment need to be bounced against the totality of scripture. I know that in the light of scripture adultery does not have to be physical, a person can commit adultery in his heart.

Off topic but spanking is not beating someone. It is not abuse. And it is scripturally commanded.