I'll agree that the punishment is barbaric, as was the crime. I'd like to note one thing, however: in this case, a man is being punished for committing a crime against a woman. In too many places in this world, men can commit crimes against women with little fear of punishment.

I have a question - how is religious law any better or worse than non-religious law? Law and punishment, it seems to me, is based on the cultural standards prevalent in a society. Whether it is religious or not, really shouldn't make a difference. If it is religious law, it exists because that is what is considered proper by that society's cultural standards. My contention is that ALL law is primarily cultural. It may also be religious, but only because the culture is religious.

-Joe-