Cheif:
Proverbs 13:4 He who withholds his rod hates his son. But he who loves him disciplines him diligently.
I love the Bible also. There are many ways to look at that verse that don't involve physical violence.
I see 'the rod' as a metaphor for discipline.
I have taught for 20 years. Kids respect me. I run a very tight ship. They get consequences (sometimes positive/sometimes negative). I have never had to hit one of them to get them to do what I want/need them to do. The same applies to my own kids (beit, I have only been a parent for 6 years now).
On the Sermon on the Mount - does Jesus really want us to pluck our eye out if it causes us to sin? I doubt it. Otherwise, the world would be full of nothing but one-eyed men.
As I am sure you know, not everything in the Bible is to be read literally. This applies to any great work of literature.
Thanks for the response. We can certainly talk by PM's about scripture. To be sure, we need to be careful about dismissing clear truth as figurative. As you know, Proverbs is a priceless guide on raising kids. (10:13,19:18,23:13-14, 29:17 for starters).
One more point and I will talk privately on this issue to anyone who would like to...
Ephesians 6:4, Here's the positive: "Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." "Discipline" implies training, which involves rules and regulations enforced by rewards and punishment. You set the standard, follow it, then hold your children accountable to it. If they meet it, you reward them. If they violate it, you punish them. That way you're helping them see the consequences of their actions.
