A few months ago I posted this very question on my blog. I am reposting it again amidst the recent frenzy over a proposed law that would ban the ability of parents to discipline their children with spanking. Also on my talk show Worth More Than Rubies, this Friday we will be speaking with Sydelle Richards and Stacey Patton, both of whom were abuse as children. Please tune in to http://www.redchurchradio.com/ at 11:00am CST on Friday to hear what they have to say.
Here is the original post.
When I had my first son, I can remember declaring that no one would ever lay a hand on my child. His grandparents of course thought that this was the most hillarious thing they had ever heard.I soon realized that there comes a time when some form of physical punishment may be necessary to communicate the seriousness of a particular action.
The old folks use to say "If I don't whip him the policeman will."Not only do I believe that spanking is necessary, it is also Biblical.The Bible is clear when it provides us with direction about children. First of all Jesus let's us know his feelings about children in these scriptures."Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me, receives not Me but Him who sent Me." (Mark 9:37);"Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." (Mark 10:15)
These scriptures tell us that Jesus has placed high importance on children and their place in the kingdom. Therefore it is safe to say that childrens' wellbeing is of utmost importance to Him.God later gives us guidelines to follow with regards to rearing our children. He says that we should train them up in the way that they should go so that when they are old, they will not depart from it. He further says that if we spare the rod we will spoil the child.It is clear that He intends for us to find a balance between the two. Neither of these methods is independent of the other.I believe that if you take the time to train your children properly, then spanking them will only need to be done sparingly. My rule of thumb was to use spanking only when the offense would result in physical harm to the children or to others.
Furthermore, extension cords, broom handles, and such go far beyond spanking. They are abusive.
The problem with the proposed law is that it will not deter an abuser. Much the same way that restraining orders and various laws that are in place for those that abuse women do not deter them from their course. This law would only limit discipline options for concerned parents.The system is not ready for the ramifiactions of children gone wild. We have already seen some of these consequences as a result of banning spanking in schools.
What do you think?
2 comments:
The Holy Bible short for Heaven Only Loves You says to spanketh
the child and if you don't then they will go astray beacuse of lack
of discpline no thanks to CPS and everything else the kids are basically above the parents which makes them legalized abuses of their parents and the law and were
born with a sinful nature and have to be taught right from wrong so I can we not spank or punish to have something to learn from we can't punish and train life that we bring as males and females but men who can't give life take and kill life for their own selfish reasons when God demands a count for every life so sooner or later we all as individulas will have to answer for our own self.(Amen)
I think a spanking is OK but abuse is not. You should only use your hand, not a whip or belt. And let them leave their clothes on. Only the bottom should be spanked. My parents made us strip naked and they whipped our bare genitals with a belt. That was abuse and we hate our parents today.
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