I cover every verse you cite in your comments. The rod verses are not intended to be taken literally. Throughout this series, I explain the original Hebrew and Greek meanings of these verses. The Bible wasn’t written in English. You claim that all we need is to read the Bible in “English” and all will be clear. That is anything but true. We must study the Bible deeper than that in order to truly understand how God wants us to apply His Holy Word. So many Christians use your handful of verses to justify spanking/hitting children because they don’t look into the original Hebrew and Greek meanings. The rod symbolizes authority and discipline (teaching and guiding). In fact, the rod was used to gently guide sheep and only hit predators. You claim that I ignore “countless” (more like 10 or so) verses about child-rearing when in reality I cite hundreds of verses that people seem to ignore when it comes to children such as Matthew 18:1-15 and Galatians 5:22-6:2 and countless others that tell us to treat others with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and patience. All of those verses apply to children too, especially since children sin much less and unintentionally than we adults do. Jesus paid for all of our sins! He was sinless but suffered and died for all of us. So, if He paid for our sins, and was without sin, who are we sinners to punish our children who are just learning about everything???

Finally, spanking/hitting a child for being in danger makes NO SENSE. Children fear the source of pain. They can’t connect being spanked/hit with staying away from danger. So, we teach them to fear us instead of running TO us and away from danger. We are to teach them about danger and be their safety as God is our safety. When we hurt them, even “lovingly,” we teach them that we are not safe. It is up to US to keep children safe until they are capable of understanding danger. Also, God NEVER inflicts pain on us to punish us. He allows natural consequences. God is love! Love should never hurt!

I hope you’ll read the rest of my articles and the other wonderful articles that are on this website. I also hope you’ll read my book when it comes out this fall. God led you here for a reason. Please open your heart to His Truth. God bless you!

I’m so sorry about the passing of your aunt. It is very difficult to lose a loved one. I will pray for comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.

And, yes, I love meeting and have discussions with like minded people when it comes to children. As you can tell, besides Jesus, children really are my passion. I have your email address from all of your comments. I can email you if you’d like when my book is out sometime this fall. I know Hermana Linda will also put an announcement on this website when it comes out.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my work and conversing with me. I have truly enjoyed it. Blessings.

It is gratifying that we share the same values in relation to children, and progressive child raring. I have no objection to anyone with a view, other than my own, on the character of mans relationship with nature, expressing it to me with conviction. We all can learn from each other, in different ways, concerning our beliefs, relating to the great questions out there that are daunting, and seem to many to be bereft of an answer. Most non-believers are envious of those who are blessed with firm beliefs, in terms of religion etc.

Whether it was my schooling, or whatever, that turned me away from religion, the important thing is never to close ones mind. We’ve had a recent death in our family of a close relative – my aunt – and we are finding it very hard to come to terms with the loss. My aunt died on the 10th of May this year. She was one day into her 85th year. She was my late mothers sister. At times like this, ones emotions are in a state of flux, and great uncertainties enter ones mind. However that is life.

Good luck with the book, and please inform me when it is to be in print. I think it is necessary to advance the view that the old ways of child raring, in terms of discipline, are no longer appropriate ( they never were ) And that love combined with firmness, and understanding, are far more beneficial methods than the time honoured ones, that have damaged so many in the past.

Take care Steph.