Careful, now. . .

Although I may be headed for criticism (as if that were new) I want to make another statement or two as a follow-up to yesterday’s thought. Again, I want to admit that I have not read the materials with which this is concerned – except for an article or two. My concern lies not just with the primary issue, but also a secondary one.

We must be very careful when we utilize what someone writes to condemn that individual based on how a reader of that material might interpret the writer’s concepts. Here, a couple of comments regarding the book To Train Up a Child –

Dr. Frances Chalmers, a state pediatrician who examined Hana’s [an 11 year old who was beaten, starved, and left to freeze in an un-heated barn] death, suggested to the Times that their teachings may have played a role in Hana’s death. “My fear is that this book, while perhaps well intended, could easily be misinterpreted and could lead to what I consider significant abuse,” she said.

That may also have happened in the case of Lydia Schatz, who was adopted from Liberia at the age of 4 by Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz of Paradise, Calif. She died last year, age 7, after her parents had whipped her for hours, with pauses for prayer. The Schatzes are both serving long prison terms, after Kevin Schatz pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and torture, and Elizabeth Schatz pleaded to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful corporal punishment. Like the Williamses, the Schatzes owned a copy of To Train Up a Child, and the local district attorney criticized it as a dangerous influence. (Yahoo News)

If the standard for evaluating books is based on the actions of some readers (who, in my opinion, are loony to begin with) we have problems with some significant books.

For example – The Bible. Over the brief  breadth of my lifespan there have been more than a few who have committed terrible acts of terrorism, abuse, battery, mayhem, destruction, etc., all while quoting the Bible and proclaiming the clarity of the “voice of God” in their own mind. I would suppose then the “well intended” but “misinterpreted” book should certainly be banned.

Another example might be the Quran. Adherents would tell us that “extremists” who are wreaking havoc around the World are caught up in a “misinterpretation” or are weaken by its “dangerous influence.”

There are people who should NEVER be parents. There are parents who should have their parental rights severed immediately and permanently. Teaching regarding the best methods for rearing children (and I personally am not aware of any books/writings which advocate beating, starving, burning, breaking, shaking, throwing, kicking, slapping, do I really need to go on?) is most appropriate since all parents start out as beginners. If you are aware of writers or proponents of such as listed above, please send me the information and I will work hard at getting those writers exposed for what they are (and hopefully banned from publication).

Kids (children, for those of you who are more proper than I) are precious, wonderful, beautiful gifts to us from God. Individuals treating them other than as the Giver clearly proclaims, should earn a few days in my garden shed. . .(forgive me) should earn a just and appropriate punishment.