Going just a bit off-topic, I think there is a tendency in our whole society to overrate the physical. A lot of secular mores are based on the idea that there is nothing worse than death, and right behind that comes physical suffering.

To me, a complete ban on physical discipline is an extension of that. Proper physical discipline is not a very traumatic thing. That is one part of the reason why it is inappropriate for older kids–as they mature, they realize that a little physical pain is very easily borne with.

Ron, to your question, you are distinguishing “correct” and “punish” in a way that I would not (within these kinds of contexts). I believe that when Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved him, it was punishment. And I believe it hurt Peter worse than the lashings he recieved later for following Christ.

Along those lines, a father I knew once told of trying an alternative discipline on his kids. His two boys were fighting and the father began to read out of the gospel about hating one’s brother. It affected the older boy so much that the father said he would never do it again. I think it made him feel that he was playing the part of the accuser of the brethren.

I appreciate hearing about alternative disciplines such as the one mentioned earlier in the thread about wearing pajamas to school. They can be more effective than physical punishment in some cases.

More important than the method of discipline is that there be discipline. Whether the children control or obey the parents is not determined simply by whether the parent has ever spanked the child.

I agree.

Hi Chris, nice to see you over here!

Arlan – Consider substituting the word correction for chasten instead of punish. Chasten means to make chaste, but that meaning gives no indication of the means by which the chasteness is developed. The letters of the New Testament were written to correct groups of believers who were getting on the wrong track. Which did Jesus do, correct or punish His disciples?

Jo – Thanks. I appreciate knowing that someone is benefitting from it. tbh, though, likely I will benefit the most because preparing to write gives me alot to think about.

Chris – valid point and on the last statement, I agree with you. however, whenever 2 lawyers go into court they take with them the cases that they believe will support their argument. Likewise, doctors examine and diagnose patients based on information they have from medical sources and come to different diagnoses. Different viewpoints from the same reference material is not limited to the discussion of religion or philosophy. If nothing else is gained, at the very least, a number of people will have had the opportunity to express themselves. And that alone, IMO, makes the discussion worthwhile. OT: Glad to see you use WordPress.

Can you give me a bit of commentary on Hebrews 12:7 so I can better understand your perspective? (To save a lookup, the verse is “If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for waht son is there whom a father does not chasten?”)

Thanks,
Arlan