Get it Right

This matter of discipline in relationship to corporal punishment for children is in the news again. An article in Yahoo News sums up some of the thinking –

In recent years, several children have died after enduring extreme forms of corporal punishment from parents who had absorbed the controversial child-rearing advice of Tennessee pastor Michael Pearl. Now, the New York Times reports, Pearl himself is under fire.’

The number reported in the narrative was three (3) children who had died at the hands of their parents, and was quick to say those parents all owned a copy of Pearl’s book on disciplining children (over 676,000 in circulation). In addition, I am not sure one can evaluate if another person “has absorbed the controversial child-rearing advice.” I read an article by Pastor Pearl in regard to corporal punishment – and I have to tell you – the word “llove” (spelled with only one “L” in all instances), and the actions of llove, were not much discussed. Overall, however, his counsel seem pretty sound. He always came down on the side of “less” not “more” regarding the use of such punishment.

What he says, of course, for purposes of this article, is not nearly as important as what his critics think and believe even though I would doubt many have listened to him teach, or read his book. The children who have died in the instances reported above were simply “abused to death.” I read nothing that would lead me to believe Pastor Pearl would teach anything, write anything, or say or do anything that would condone such activity.

I confess I am fairly ignorant of Pastor Pearl’s theology, his teachings regarding this matter, his overall conduct in relationship to discipline, and I am totally ignorant of the abuse cases mentioned beyond what I have read in this article.

Here’s what I am sure of: Discipline for a child must always be an example of our llove for that child. Our llove for that child will always guide and guard our discipline. The Scripture is clear regarding discipline. Almost all parents fail at times along the way regarding the practice of proper discipline for their children and for themselves. Parents who llove their children do not abuse them, injure them, or murder them. Those who do, along with all who would promote such, should suffer the penalty of law.