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'Twas the Night Before
the Christ Came,
written and illustrated
by Bonnie

~ CHRISTIAN pop Psychology ~

I have noticed several Christian authors (mostly 'pro spanking') criticize other Christian authors (mostly 'anti spanking') for being non-biblical and warn their audience to beware of said advice because it is "filled with pop psychology."

So, I want to take a moment to point out that I've noticed that there is an awful lot of psychology taught today in the books written by those same Christian authors' parenting books. Books are written telling us HOW to apply the Scriptures.

Let me also point out that there is no mention in the Bible of ‘first time obedience’ or ‘tomato staking’ or that sort of stuff … or even of our modern practice of ’spanking’ . I dislike when *teachers* apply some sort formula and give very specific directions where the Bible doesn’t and then those teachings become almost a sort of law in Christian circles.

I’ve noticed Christian parenting books and Christians online apply a type of PEER PRESSURE to spank & spank quickly, in order to raise godly children — as if that’s the only way to parent. Some are offended if any other method is suggested…like any other discipline other than spanking is equal to not being a good Christian parent or anti-Biblical.

The truth is that the Bible talks about and models a lot of different ways to teach - train - correct - admonish - rebuke … They all need to be talked about.

When I think of many of the Scriptures that talk about ‘the rod’ I think of a Shepherd. The great Shepherd whose rod and staff comforts me. I think about a shepherd who tends to his sheep. Yes, he’ll most definitely be carrying a rod or staff and he will keep the sheep on the right path by talking to them, and by poking, prodding, and guiding. He would use it to hit, too -- if an enemy attacked.

I’m in the middle of a book where the author shares how long it took him to really understand and trust the true nature of our Heavenly Father, because his own relationship with his earthly father was so strained. He admitted how it took years to learn he could take everything to God, and ask Him for anything, because he had been afraid to be himself with his dad. It’s true that how we are parented definitely influence us in our ability to understand the truth behind the name Father God.

I’d just encourage you think about how the Lord nurtures and admonishes you. It’s a fact that anyone can force a child to obey anything, and with a cheerful-looking face at that. But what is important is that we reach their heart. God no longer has us under the law, and He is not impressed with pious actions rather than a right heart. Neither does He ignore our actions, or reward our disobedience. Instead, He says “let me show you the way.” He takes our hand, He leads us, shows us the way, step by step, and never leaves us or forsakes us.

That is what we should try to do as parents.

 

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