Corporal Punishment: A spiritual issue

I believe the Scriptures are clear that corporal punishment—the “rod” of discipline—is one of the options that parents have at their disposal in order to discipline their children (Proverbs 13:24; 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15). In my previous post on this topic, I said, “Considered against the background of God’s justice, we see that corporal punishment is God’s merciful means to deliver a child’s soul from death”, and “is an act that demonstrates a parent’s love for the child’s soul.”

There’s something else that comes to mind. It occurs to me that if parents abandon corporal punishment, their children will be ill-equipped to understand God’s discipline. In Hebrews 12:5-10, the writer makes a connection between a parent’s discipline of a child and God’s discipline of His people:

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.”

I believe the writer has what we would call corporal punishment in mind for, notice, he writes, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant…” (Hebrews 12:11a, emphasis mine). Corporal punishment causes pain. I believe the pain of God’s discipline is more understandable to those who have experienced the pain of their parents’ “rod” of discipline. On the other hand, if we view corporal punishment as harsh and abusive, won’t we likely view God’s discipline as harsh and abusive, also? If we think that parents have no right to ever strike their children as a punishment for disobedience, won’t we also think that God has no right to inflict pain on us because of our disobedience? Here’s something else to think about: If we don’t understand corporal punishment (or capital punishment, for that matter), can we really understand hell?

Here’s the basis of my concern: From my observation of teenagers over the past 14-15 years, I’m concerned that today’s parents are raising up a generation who will have no understanding or regard for a God who disciplines His people or sends the rebellious to hell. Some of you who follow trends in evangelicalism already know there are those who call themselves evangelical who already embrace these unbiblical ideas about God. Ultimately, I see the issue of whether or not we accept corporal punishment as a legitimate method of child discipline as a spiritual issue.

In the final analysis, I do not think a sound case can be built against corporal punishment from the Bible. In fact, I suspect that those who oppose corporal punishment have been influenced more by secular psychology than by the word of God. They say that corporal punishment serves no good purpose, but God’s word says they’re wrong. God says, “The rod and reproof give wisdom …” (Proverbs 29:15a). And, the writer of Hebrews says, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11, emphasis mine). Scripture makes it clear that corporal punishment, like God’s discipline, produces good fruit in a child’s life, if administered in love, with a view towards saving the child’s soul.

And one more thing…

Note: This will be a long post, but I think it is important enough that I ask you to, please, hang in there until the end. Thanks!

I really didn’t intend to write about corporal punishment. Frankly, it is such an unpopular subject in our more “enlightened” society that one risks inviting scorn for expressing support for it. My original posts on this subject began as comments in response to this post by Tim Challies about a humorous episode from the life of that great 18th century evangelist, George Whitefield. After reading some of the other responses to that blog’s post, and after thinking about it more, especially in light of Scripture, I decided the topic deserved more attention.

You see, Scripture deals explicitly with corporal punishment, endorsing the use of the “rod” as an instrument of discipline. I am aware that there are scholars who feel that “rod” is a figurative term, referring to non-physical methods of discipline rather than physical punishment. When I read the Scriptures, however, I am just not convinced. In my opinion, to define the “rod” figuratively is fundamentally a well-meaning attempt to make the Bible more palatable to our modern, Western sensibilities. It’s clear we are developing (have developed?) into an over-sensitive, “wussified” society, that is positively squeamish about the idea of physically punishing children when their behavior clearly calls for it. I was amazed to discover, in the few commentaries I have available to me, most commentators had very little to say about the “rod”. It seemed to me they were purposely avoiding the clear implications of some verses out of the fear that some might object to the suggestion that corporal punishment was desirable as a form of discipline.

My experience has been that most who object to the physical “rod” of discipline do so because they consider the practice to be abusive. Granted, child abuse does exist and it is always inexcusable. I mentioned in this post the unfortunate fact that there has been physical abuse in my extended family. So, I am very aware of the reality of abuse. However, I do not think the fact that some abuse the practice of corporal punishment is a justifiable (or logical) reason to abandon corporal punishment. In fact, I think that for parents to abandon the disciplinary option of corporal punishment in the rearing of their children is a serious mistake. Further, for Christian parents to disregard the option of corporal punishment in the rearing of their children is to disregard God’s specific instruction. It is sinful, and it is wrong.

My feelings about this have been deepened over the several years I have worked and taught in public high schools, dealing with other folks’ kids. I have become convinced that one of the problems with today’s teens (and there are a multitude of issues affecting teens, not just one) is that too many of them have never experienced physical punishment from their parents when they were younger and more manageable. You see, it’s too late, when the boy is 6-ft. tall and nearly 200 pounds, to try to rein in his behavior. If someone had “wore out his behind” when he was 3 or 4, he wouldn’t be the problem he is to his parents and teachers today at 17 or 18. My great-grandfather had little education, but he spoke the truth years ago when he said to one parent we knew, “If you don’t whup that boy’s behind now, one day he’s goin’ to whup your behind!” That’s true! How many parents have tolerated disrespect, disobedience and insolence from their 2, 3, 4 or 5-year-old child, perhaps thinking such behavior “cute”, only to end up with an absolute rebel of 15, 16 or 17 living under their roof, making their family’s life miserable? Our more “enlightened” society has brought us most of the bad news we hear or read about from our public schools. And then public school teachers and administrators get blamed because they can’t work miracles with these same young people who have been so poorly parented. About 2 weeks ago a student was bragging in class about the fact that, although he receives numerous detentions, he never serves them: “What can the deans do? They can’t make me serve a detention, and my momma doesn’t care.” This is what our “enlightenment” has brought us!

Again, I am not advocating abuse. I’m only pointing out that God has ordained the “rod” as a legitimate disciplinary option. Just as each child differs in nature and temperament, even so, the need to apply corporal punishment differs with the temperament and personality of the child. Parents must not rule out corporal punishment because it is a God-given option. We ignore the “operating instructions” of our Creator only to the detriment of our society. God knows what our children need—He’s their Creator, after all. Let’s look at the Scriptures:

Proverbs 13:24
“Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.”

To withhold corporal punishment when circumstances call for it is to hate the child, in that we neglect that which is in the best interest of his/her soul.

Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

I know this is the truth! Talking, alone, is not sufficient to dislodge “folly” from the human heart. However, most children will think twice if they know their parent “means business” and will spank their little behind.

Proverbs 23:13-14
“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.”

The child might cry like you’re killing him/her, but it’s just an act (some of you parents know exactly what I’m talking about). Don’t let the little rascal bluff you out of following through with the punishment his/her misbehavior deserves. Spank him/her, and save his/her soul from something far worse than a spanking.

Proverbs 29:15
“The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.”

I have met teenagers who are a discredit to their parents. Their parents ought to be ashamed to have raised such insolent, disrespectful, inconsiderate, selfish, immoral wretches! Children weren’t designed to rear themselves; they need loving guidance, training, correction and, yes, sometimes they need physical punishment. Heed God’s instruction and spare yourself future shame.

Some would say they don’t care what the Bible says or suggests, corporal punishment is always wrong, it is always abusive and there is absolutely no reason to ever strike a child. I would ask you, then, does it matter to you what God’s word says? Are you suggesting you know more about human nature than God? Are you that smart?

Consider this: We’re told by the apostle John that “God is love” (1 John 4:16). If the infinite God is love, it should be obvious that we cannot possibly be more loving than God. If we’re nicer than God, I would suggest that we’re too nice. Look at this text:

Romans 1:28-32
“And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”

Did you notice that among those who “deserve to die”, God’s word lists those who are “disobedient to parents”? Did you see that? A child who is disobedient to his/her parents, according to the word of God, is one of those that “deserve to die”.

Now, if the child deserves to die, by what definition is corporal punishment, rightly administered, abusive? The Bible says the child deserves far worse! God considers the child’s disobedience to be sin. In God’s courtroom, sinners deserve to die. Considered against the background of God’s justice, we see that corporal punishment is God’s merciful means to deliver a child’s soul from death.

Further, in imitation of our heavenly Father, corporal punishment is an act that demonstrates a parent’s love for the child’s soul:

Hebrews 12:5-8
“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’ It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons.”

Did you know that God the Father administers corporal punishment on His children? When we lovingly administer corporal punishment, we’re following the example of our heavenly Father. God “disciplines the one he loves.”

But, do you also notice how far our society has fallen? The writer asks, “What son is there whom his father does not discipline?” Sadly, the fact of the matter is, there are a whole lot of sons and daughters out there whose fathers and mothers refuse to discipline. The lack of lovingly administered corporal punishment is but one sign of how perverse our society has become, when measured by the infallible standard of God’s word. From God’s perspective, it is incredible that a child would exist who has not experienced his/her parent’s discipline. Supposedly, we “spare the rod” because we love the child. God says we’re lying to ourselves. If we truly loved the child, we would discipline the child. And discipline includes the “rod” or corporal punishment: “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him” (Proverbs 13:24).

Let’s finish this passage in Hebrews, and I’ll comment as we go along:

Hebrews 12:9-11
“Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them [Notice, here, that parents who lovingly administer corporal punishment earn respect from their children]. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them [the fact that some parents have abused corporal punishment only proves one thing: those parents are sinners, just like you], but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant [corporal punishment should hurt], but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [it’s worth it in the end].”

Amen!

So, I leave this plea with believers: Don’t succumb to the perverse values of our society. God’s way is always the right way. Corporal punishment, lovingly administered, is God’s idea, not men’s: God knows what our children need. If you discipline your children—not for selfish reasons, but out of a genuine, loving and prayerful concern for their eternal souls—they will respect you. And, the Lord willing, eventually, they will thank you.

So, what do you think?

This is interesting.

Anthony Carter says that, “[Reading] is the primary means through which God has chosen to communicate to his people.”

“The fact that the principle revelation of God to his people is the written word should not be lost to us” says Anthony. “It reveals not only that we are intellectual beings, expected to reason and rationally assess logically communicated data, but it also demonstrates the primacy of written communication.”

To Anthony’s post, Dan Edelen says, “No. Not even close.”

“The reason,” says Dan, “that reading CANNOT be the primary means through which God has chosen to communicate to His people is that for most of human history, very few people could read.”

“So what is God’s primary means of communicating with His people?” asks Dan.

“The Holy Spirit.”

So, what do you think? What saith the Scriptures?

To help you think this through, read Anthony Carter’s “Reasons for Reading”. Then, go read Dan Edelen’s “Becoming Spiritually Literate”.

Before I take it back, I’ll add more to it

Some further thoughts on George Whitefield’s encounter with a disobedient child:

Many Christians take what I would call a “psychological approach” to child discipline. Their philosophy of child rearing is based on guidelines from Dr. James Dobson or some other author/psychologist. One almost needs training in child psychology to do all that these books say you should do.

My great-grandmother was born in 1896. She never went to high school, and never studied psychology. She didn’t learn child rearing out of a book, other than the Bible. The Bible and “mother wit” were her primary guides. Even if she literally slapped me upside the head, her discipline was with love, and it taught me, in no uncertain terms, there were consequences to mouthing off.

Incidentally, I only recall two times I was physically struck by her: the one time that I mentioned in a recent post, and another earlier time when she roundly spanked me on the behind (swatting me numerous times, not just once or twice, like the books would say). There may have been other times I was physically struck by her, but I only remember two occasions (Basically, I didn't need to be spanked or slapped for the same thing twice!). Despite how voices of protest are raised today decrying physical punishment, speaking as a grateful recipient of this kind of discipline, I can testify I’ve never had any lingering or lasting effects from either encounter I had with my great-grandmother. I received much love, care, sound advice, biblical instruction and wisdom from her.

Some would say you need to sit down and talk with the child, but (and I’m just speaking for myself, here) I was a stubborn child (and a stubborn adult!), and I would argue. Just talking to me would not have gotten the point across at all. For instance, my great-grandfather would fuss, and I would just fuss right back (I was really bad that way)! I always had an answer. Talking doesn’t work with every child; sometimes, you need to show a child just what you mean. In my opinion, it takes a physical “jolt” to get a child’s attention. That’s what corporal punishment does quite effectively.

I suppose what I’m trying to get across is that physical discipline does not automatically equal physical abuse. Not everything that causes “pain” is physically hurtful (i.e., causing welts, cuts, bruises, etc.). Incidentally, I do know what abuse is: My grandmother was abusive to her children (according to the testimony of my great-grandmother and her sister, as well as my mother and uncle who were the recipients of that abuse). That’s a whole other story altogether. There was absolutely no comparison whatsoever between the physical punishment dealt out by my great-grandmother (my grandfather’s mother) and my grandmother.

Most everyone of my generation that I’ve known, from a similar cultural background (working class, African-American), can identify with the type of discipline I experienced. We’re adults now, with children of our own, and I seriously doubt many of us have lingering psychological damage from the physical punishments we received as children and teenagers (in fact, I suspect abusive words potentially cause more damage).

As incredible as it may sound to some folks, I still thank God someone cared enough about me to “go upside my head”.

Although some people today may feel they know better how to discipline a child than those of Whitefield’s generation, I don’t think God disapproved of Whitefield’s actions.

Just my opinion.

Thinking about abortion

Dr. Al Mohler has two articles on the subject of abortion that I would encourage you to read. Especially in light of the recent Supreme Court decision upholding the ban on “partial birth” abortion. Slowly, it appears the thinking of some people is changing. At least, I hope so.

“The Revenge of Moral Consciousness”

“The Supreme Court Rules Again on Abortion”

A few years ago, a student asked me what I thought of abortion. This is the way I answered her question:

My mother was 14 years old when she became pregnant with me—15 when I was delivered by Caesarian section. If abortion were legal when I was born, someone probably would have argued that I should be aborted. Certainly, pregnancy was a disruption to my mother’s life. Tell me, should I have been aborted?

My great-great-great-grandmother, Mollie, was a “Mulatto”—the daughter of a Black slave named Sarah, and Sarah’s White slave master, Mr. Rice. I seriously doubt Sarah became pregnant as a result of a mutual relationship between “consenting adults”. We’re talking about the state of Alabama—“The Heart of the Confederacy”—in the year 1852. More than likely my great-great-great-great-grandmother, Sarah, was raped by Mr. Rice. Should Sarah’s daughter, Mollie—my great-great-great-grandmother—have been aborted? If Mollie had been aborted, I would not exist, either.

I have some cousins, all of whom (I think) are college-educated. They’re fine, respectable people. Some of them are educators. This branch of the Duncan family came about through incest—sexual relations between unmarried first-cousins, way back in 1889. From this union, twin girls were born. Should these twins have been aborted? If there had been an abortion, this particular branch of the family—which has since produced teachers, artists and college professors—would not exist.

For at least three reasons (and, of course, there are more), I am opposed to abortion in all circumstances.

As you can probably guess, that student didn’t have anything else to say.

The Bible and tongues

Dr. Sam Storms wrote what I think is an excellent response to Jimmy Draper, of the Southern Baptist Convention, on the subject of the Bible and tongues. In fact, I think Dr. Storms is “spot on”. Read it, here.

Sad

I stumbled upon this church’s website two days ago, and I was truly saddened by what I read.

I’m going to take for granted the sincerity of the people, but, sincere or not, there are so many unbiblical teachings reflected on the pages of this site. Saddest of all is the realization that this church is not unique in the Black community in the United States. If you need motivation to pray fervently for a true move of God in the Black community, I think you could find it at this church’s website.

The time I was slapped upside the head

I added the following comment in response to this post on George Whitefield:

Consider this a “testimony” (I'm not trying to argue with anybody!):

Many years ago, when I was a teenager (or pre-teen, I don't precisely remember), I was talking back to my great-grandmother when—Whop!—she slapped me upside my head. I believe I was kneeling or sitting on the floor at the time. Well, after she slapped me, I found myself getting up off the floor!

Although, I resented it at the time (of course!), I knew I was in the wrong. She was not wrong. I "asked" for it, and she simply gave me what I "asked" for. Since it happened to me, I can tell you: I was not physically hurt (my head was hard—both literally and figuratively); the only thing hurt was my pride.

With the passage of time (at least 30 years), I honestly believe I deserved exactly what I received that day. I was way out of line. In no way at all was my great-grandmother abusive—absolutely not. I didn't think so, then; and I don't think so now.

One more thing: In light of Hebrews 12:5-11, I think it is reasonable to conclude that God inflicts corporal punishment on His children (and, in my opinion, He sometimes slaps them upside the head, too, if that's what it takes). At least, that's been my experience.

Rejoicing “with joy…inexpressible…full of glory”?

In preparing to preach through 1 Peter, Erik Raymond at Irish Calvinist observed that:

“First Peter chapter one, verses six through nine are all about the experience of being a Christian, and in particular the heavenly inspired rejoicing that is to characterize this life.”

Yet, as a Reformed believer in Christ, something troubled him:

“I am simply wondering afresh why those who hold to such a God-exalting, man-humbling view of God, tend to be the more stiff, cold and unaffected. Why do so many of us love to talk about, defend, and study doctrine but then stand relatively unaffected when singing songs that reflect such glorious truth? Why do folks get more excited about defending an acronym and criticizing Arminians than they do about singing about the risen Savior?”

This is, indeed, something worth thinking about, and I would encourage you to read Erik’s entire post (and listen to his preached messages from 1 Peter 1:1-9). In commenting on Erik’s post, I wrote the following:

“Erik,

“I appreciate your post. Personally, I am an emotional person. Yet, not many would know that, because I’m generally very reserved in public. This fact sometimes frustrates me. I wish I felt free to lift my hands to the Lord or shout aloud His praise in worship. I would be inclined to blame my reservations on self-consciousness and fear.

“Perhaps fear is the reason many others tend to downplay or diminish emotions. Maybe, like me, we’re afraid of what others would think of us if we became emotional. Perhaps we’re afraid that we might draw attention to ourselves or make others feel uncomfortable if we physically or verbally expressed our worship to God. I’m thinking that this could be especially true if we are part of a church or fellowship where emotional and physical expressiveness in worship is frowned upon.

“Then again, maybe we are reserved in expressing our emotions toward God because, in some sense, God seems less “real” to us than, let’s say, a sports event where we wouldn’t have second thoughts about shouting and cheering and jumping. One day, when we see that heavenly scene as pictured in Revelation 4-5, I’m sure we’ll have no trouble joining the multitude around God’s throne in praising the Lamb “with a loud voice” (Rev. 5:12). But, as it is now, we don’t “see” anything that would prompt such a heartfelt and emotional response. In other words, the problem could be with our spiritual perception.

“I do think, however, that those of us who know the Doctrines of Grace have great reason to be among the most enthusiastic in our worship of God.”

Amen. May God cause us to grow more God-conscious, that we may freely rejoice in our Savior.

“Our eyes look to the Lord”

Thinking about the tragedy at Virginia Tech...

To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
Behold, as the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maidservant
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God,
till he has mercy upon us.

Psalm 123:1-2