[EMama]

Originally Posted by EyrieHasChicks

Hi Erin, here's a link to an article explaining why the "rod scriptures" in proverbs cannot be taken as a command to spank small children .

As for Hebrews 12, I'm amazed that so many Christians take it as an endorsement of spanking. Hebrews 12 is actually a strong argument for non-punitive, discipleship-oriented discipline.

Jesus learned obedience through suffering - I'm not sure exactly what it means, but it cannot be used as an analogy for spanking.It doesn't say Jesus learned to obey by experiencing the painful consequences of disobedience!!! Jesus never disobeyed Father!! In fact, Jesus' obedience resulted in suffering!

Thank you for the resources. I like your description of Heb 12.

---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:30 PM ----------

Originally Posted by AngelaVA

Do you think he will actually listen to what you say, no matter how compelling it is, if he holds your conformity in this area in such high regard that he has allowed it to totally overshadow your simply stated boundary and request for a mentor?

I am not suggesting you shouldn't defend your stance if you feel it would be productive, it's just that my experience with these debates is that the other person is very invested in his position and there is not anything you could say that would reach them. When Jesus told his parables many of the Pharisees had no idea what he was talking about.

That is a very good point. He did come off as genuinely interested in learning more about grace based parenting. We are so new to the church that I don't know this particular pastor that well, but I would like to believe he is actually listening, but who knows?