U.S. judge rules parents can name their baby 'Messiah'

She also said that the name would likely offend many residents of Cocke County

I find the name of that town offensive.

Jaleesa Martin said she couldn’t believe it when child support magistrate Lu Ann Ballew last month ordered Martin’s 8-month-old son’s name changed during a paternity hearing...Her written order stated that “‘Messiah’ is a title that is held only by Jesus Christ,” and “Labeling this child ‘Messiah’ places an undue burden on him that as a human being, he cannot fulfill.”

This magistrate Lu Ann Ballew is as ignorant as dirt, and oh so typical of her part of the country -- the so-called bible-belt. I have no doubt she's a solid Republican.

First of all, the term "messiah" comes from the Hebrew word "mashiach" -- which simply means "to be anointed." There were many people and things who were mashiach in the Hebrew Scriptures, the so-called Old Testament. Yes, even a shield or sword could be anointed with oil and thus was referred to as "messiah."

Secondly, there is nothing or no one referred to in the Hebrew Scriptures as "The Messiah." That's a so-called Christian misinterpretation of the eventual anointed king whom the Jewish people are waiting for.

Thirdly, if you're going to after names, there are many other Hebrew-based names that include the name of the Most High. Like Joshua, for instance -- from which Jesus is a corruption. Joshua, or Yahushua in its more accurate Hebrew form means "The God who is Salvation." Talk about your "undue burdens!"

He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plZRe1kPWZw

I knew a guy years back called Wayne Kerr. Really.

Hey Ballew, this one's for you!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqYKTioiVnE

And all your "offended friends."

How do people with so little awareness and understanding of the world get to be judges?!?

How do people with so little awareness and understanding of the world get to be judges?!?

How do people with so little awareness and understanding of the world get to be parents?!?

The original judge is suspended, right?

My nephew was born a few rooms down from a kid named Bill (not William) Iggy Grant so that his initials would spell BIG. Kid's going to catch some flack in school but I guess he can change it when he's an adult if he feels the need. Foolish series of events leading to a foolish story.

Isn't it actually "christ" (annointed) that is the title?

A college roommate of mine was named "Rich Crook." Pretty sure he was Republican.

Idiots with children being judged by idiots.

It all actually sounds quite fair, other than the precious moments of our lives wasted reading such nonsense. Next.

How do people with so little awareness and understanding of the world get to be parents?!?

Uh, the way everybody does, of course. It takes no intellect to procreate.

The final ruling is correct, but the parents are still idiots and the kid will probably have problems with the name - and might well go by his middle name as an adult. I know plenty of people who do that.