I don’t know what is up with the comments, but it’s enough to make me decide to get sensus plenior. However, the cashflow isn’t enough for me to make that decision, so I must simply be content.

If you really, really want to make a comment, check back every day or so to see if the comments are back up.

(and you thought the last one was bad)

The Bible talks about disciplining children, and it prescribes the method we are to use. We are, when appropriate, to physically strike them. I’m not sure Scripture could be much more clear…

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.

Of course, it’s true that wisdom must be employed. Scripture doesn’t say to beat our children senseless. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. There are times to spank, and times not to spank. But it is without doubt that there are times to spank.

I should also note that there are unbiblical, sinful ways of spanking. Of course, anything that seriously harms the child is out of the question. A good spanking should sting for a few moments, maybe up to a minute, but that is it. And there should be no marks left on the child to see where the spanking was. If there are, you didn’t do it right. The Bible tells those that are spiritual to correct. If a parent is flying of the handle mad, they are in no position to discipline their child. This doesn’t accomplish the purpose spanking serves, but rather, the opposite. So keep in mind that I’m only endorsing spanking that is consistent with the teaching of Scripture.

So, what is discipline? Is spanking a child punitive in nature? Perhaps in some homes, but not in Godly ones. Spanking, which is a form of discipline, is not punitive, but corrective. It is not punishment. A child is spanked because they have sinned, but the spanking they should get as a result is not the punishment that sin deserves. Sin deserves eternal torment. That is the punishment for the sin. The spanking is the parent teaching the child to not sin. Discipline is to keep the child from sinning any more… to alter their behavior. And, in the wonderful world that God has made and graciously put us in, spanking works.