There simply was not enough time to cover everything that I would’ve liked in this message.  This post tries to capture some of the other thoughts or references that I wanted to share.

What Else Does God’s Word Say…

A Brief Discussion on Spanking

In 2022 in the US, the idea of spanking is very controversial, but then again so is the concept of believing in two genders.  Google will happily provide you with links to articles from Christianity Today (hardly a bastion for Biblical truth anymore) denouncing it or some psychological study (likely from an organization that doesn’t believe in God) decrying the emotional damage that spanking a child causes.  But consider the source.  I think most of us want to follow God’s wisdom when it comes to living our lives, but especially in raising our kids.  

In my research, I have found these two articles to be particularly helpful in analyzing spanking from a Biblical standpoint and even in articulating how to properly execute it.

• Focus on the Family article (2018; 6pgs) - I have my own reservations about the current direction of the Focus on the Family organization in a number of issues, but this 2018 article from this specific author (Dr. Danny Huerta) provides an excellent overview of the question of “Is Spanking Biblical?” and 5 principles for doing it correctly.

• Desiring God Interview with Dr. Tedd Tripp (2014; 7min) - Tony Reinke, the host of the “Ask Pastor John” [Piper] podcast, interviews Dr. Tripp on why many Christians parents don’t spank their children.  Again, I personally have some more recent concerns with the direction of John Piper’s ministry, but this interview is Biblically solid.

Other Helpful Resources

• Shepherding a Child’s Heart - Dr. Tedd Tripp - The whole book is great, and it includes a specific training on “when”, “how”, and “why” of spanking and some frequently asked questions on it.

• Have a New Kid By Friday - Dr. Kevin Leman

  • Book - (it’s cheaper on Amazon, but who wants to support them anyway)

  • Article - quick summary of the book

  • Podcast - weekly topical discussion with the author

• Family Life (one example podcast with Steve Ferrar) - Dennis Rainey, Bob Lepine 

• James Dobson Family Institute (discipline articles) - Dr. James Dobson