The Biblical Approach To Spanking

Spanking has long been implemented as a form of discipline to correct misbehavior in children. As the proverb goes, “Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them”. While spanking, or more professionally referred to as corporal punishment, has stood as a tried and trusted means of discipline, controversy regarding its integrity, value, and effects has been brought to serious question; and really, this shouldn’t be terribly shocking. The most basic and fundamental aspect of spanking itself is to strike an individual, and this can seem entirely skewed. However, when done in an appropriate manner, corporal punishment ultimately benefits those who receive its brunt in ways that other punishment methods fail to do as effectively. Those who oppose the act of spanking argue that it leads to strained parent/child relationships, and a decline in mental health, as well as increased aggression in children, which then further continues into their adult years. Additionally, it’s argued that CP often develops into physical abuse and offers only …show more content…
A significant amount of emphasis is placed on what the child gains from being spanked on a deeper and more meaningful level when parents do follow healthy guidelines. Children learn that they must be responsible for their actions. By asking them why they made the choice that they did, they have to own up to their mistakes and eventually admit and come to the realization that what they did was wrong. Along with this, once what was done wrong is recognized by the child, sincere remorse follows. While this sounds burdensome and heavy, it’s part of learning. It’s imperative to feel genuine grief in order to avoid consciously making the same mistake, and while spanking alone doesn’t achieve this, it’s part of the whole process