Wednesday, June 22, 2011

TO SPANK OR NOT TO SPANK


Denny Burk shares an excellent article on the subject of spanking over on his blog. You can check it out by clicking here.

Janet and I have three girls - ages 22, 19 and 11 - and we've always believed that wise, consistent, loving discipline is crucial in the life and development of a child. At one time or another, all three of our girls received a spanking. It was never our first option. We attempted to never spank when we were frustrated or angry. It was usually reserved for cases of "willful defiance." We always attempted to follow a spanking with a hug and loving affirmation. And finally, as our children grew older the frequency with which they received spankings declined.

Denny quotes an article by Paul Wegner that suggests several different levels of discipline. I've included Wegner's comments below, but check out Denny Burk's blog for some additional insights on the subject of discipline and spanking.

By the way, on July 31, a2 Church will host its first FXthat's a cool abbreviation for Family Experience — a special combined worship experience where children can take their parents to learn more about God. During our first FX we'll share some thoughts about how a2 wants to "partner with parents in their mission to lead their children into a personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ." Make plans to join us on July 31.

Here's a portion of Wegner's article:

In an article titled, "Discipline in the Book of Proverbs: To Spank or Not To Spank," Paul Wegner shows from scripture several different levels of discipline, one of which is corporal punishment (#6).

Level 1. Encourage proper behavior: A wise parent encourages a child to behave properly (Prov. 1:8-9; 2:2-5; 3:13-15; 4:7-8).

Level 2. Inform of improper behavior: A wise parent is proactive and addresses certain issues before the child might be confronted by them (Prov. 1:10-15; 3:31-32).

Level 3. Explain the negative consequences of sin: A wise parent points out the negative consequences that lie along the path of life (Prov. 1:18-19; 5:3-6).

Level 4. Gently exhort: Wise parents will, on an ongoing basis, advise and exhort their children against sin that can easily become a pattern and encourage them to use wisdom (Prov. 4:1-2, 14-16).

Level 5. Gently rebuke or reprove: The wise parent knows when to use rebuke properly (Prov. 3:12; 24:24-25).

Level 6. Corporal punishment that does not cause physical harm: A wise parent knows when to use corporal, non-abusive punishment (Prov. 19:18; 13:24; 23:13-14; 29:15).

Level 7. Corporal punishment that causes physical harm: The book of Proverbs does not suggest that parents use this technique for discipline, but that serious sin can lead to serious punishment (Prov. 20:30; 10:31).

Level 8. Death: The book of Proverbs also does not include this in the realm of parental discipline, but in the realm of consequences meted out by government or society’s leaders (Gen. 9:6; Prov. 19:18).

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