People often claim that the Bible endorses the physical punishment of children.
Two quotes are most frequently used to support this claim:
“Spare the rod and spoil the child” and “God is a god of justice.
” Reverend Nove Vailaau, a Wellington pastor, author and advocate for Pasifika issues explores both of these in his booklet A Theology of Children.
His findings are summarised below.
This is the quote most often used to support claims that the Bible endorses physical punishment. Yet it doesn’t appear in the Bible. It is actually from a poem by Samuel
Butler, a novelist from the Victorian era when physical punishment was much more acceptable than it is today.
(Butler himself was frequently beaten by his father who he feared and hated all his life.)
There are similar passages from the Bible that appear to advocate for ph ysical punishment. For example “he who spares the rod hates his son but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.
”
These words were written by King Solomon and presumably reflected his personal beliefs about parenting. Solomon ’s son became a widely-hated ruler after his father’s death and had to flee to avoid assassination by his own people.
The rod in Proverbs is a translation of the word shebet.
This is translated as a scepter or staff. This was used by shepherds to guide sheep, not to hit them.
Psalm 23 refers to the rod in the context “Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me.”
Many parents punish their children as a demonstration of God’s justice. While
Reverend Nove says that it is true that God is a G od of justice, God’s justice is subject to his love.
He points out the famous verse from Corinthians:
“Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
”
He also notes that the Bible recommends that parents exercise justice with wisdom and love. It calls on Christians not to be administrators of justice, but to embody love.
For example “do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
God, who is love, judges through love. Jesus Christ’s life models how to love – being meek, humble, ever patient, yet unwavering.
Reverend Nove recommends that parents ask themselves “What would Jesus do?”
If you would like a copy of A Theology of Children, contact info@skip.org.nz