Spanking - Grilling A Sacred Cow (Part 2)

The Stronghold

When it comes to child rearing and discipline it would seem that modern psychology has hijacked the discussion altogether. The general thrust of this approach is aimed at building a healthy self esteem in the child rather than pointing out the error of his way. There are only two problems with the philosophy of self-esteem; one, it’s unbiblical and two, it doesn’t work (other than that it’s ok). Nowhere does Scripture teach us to have a high view of self. In fact it consistently teaches the exact opposite. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not to lean on our own understanding.

Many secular “experts” insist that all forms of of physical punishment are abusive and seriously injurious to the psyche of the child. Some even claim that parents should use no form of negative correction with children – positive reinforcement alone is sufficient, they say. Scripture says otherwise. In fact, the Bible prescribes corporal punishment and says it is a necessary element of parental love. (John Macarthur – The Fulfilled Family p118-119)

Why doesn’t self-esteem work? It doesn’t work because it fails to recognize what lies at the core of human nature . . .

Continues on Friday with part 3 - The Sinner

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