You have probably heard the expression, "Spare the rod, spoil the child." Do you agree with it? Perhaps you were spanked as a kid. Was it appropriate? Some people see spanking as an outdated method of punishment or even child abuse, while others view a swat on the bottom as a parent's prerogative. Where do we draw the line when it comes to disciplining our children?
Regarding Biblical support for hitting children, many people tell us that they espouse “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” They believe it has a biblical basis (see link below, "Materials...")
What would Jesus do? Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Sagendorf, a member of the EPOCH-USA board and a retired minister says the following:
If you take the Bible seriously, you have to notice Jesus' attitude toward children. It was wise, loving, and filled with compassion. Even when anxious adults wanted to shoo the children away, Jesus rebuked the adults. "Of such," he said, "is the kingdom of heaven." Given this attitude, it's hard to conceive of Jesus hitting a child on any occasion or for any reason. It's simply not consistent with what he taught. If Jesus wouldn't hit a child, why would we? SpankOut Day is dedicated to exploring alternate means of discipline. We believe that Jesus would approve. A simple slogan for Christians to consider might be this: the next time you are tempted to hit a child, ask yourself "What would Jesus do?" Then go and do likewise.
Reverend Dr. Thomas E. Sagendorf, retired Methodist Minister, Hamilton IN.
Parenting Expert
Are these people reading what I’m saying? Apparently not. I said, clearly, there is no Biblical support for spanking per se. As for invoking my Lord and Savior’s behavior as the model, can we state for the record that Jesus was not a parent? I personally am not going to participate in stupid—and that’s what they are—speculations on what Jesus would or would not do in any given situation. I will simply point out that the Bible records that God has punished his children with consequences far worse than a spanking on more than one occasion. As for retired ministers who are members of EPOCH-USA (End Physical Punishment of Children-USA), the fact that one is ordained does not mean one speaks for God or even accurately interprets Scripture.
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