Some of my favorite debates on cable news channels are between Christian parents, who believe that sparing the rod is a horrific sin, and normal parents who realize one doesn't need to resort to acts of violence to be an affective teacher.
Christians use the Bible to defend behavior that makes them feel better about themselves. Spanking, or other abuse inflicted upon a child, will in no way help said youngster lead a better life. Rationally teaching them right from wrong at an early age is what they need.
How many adults make moral decisions in life because they're afraid of being paddled by a parental figure?
How many adults make moral decisions in life because they intellectually understand what is right and what is wrong?
We beat our pets because they can't comprehend language. You Christians spank your children because it's a great way to relieve stress, and your book of worship indicates that - not only are you not a monster – your abuse is of a holy nature.
"Did you notice that bump protruding from my child's backside - the ones that is throbbing so badly you can see it pulsate from across the room? Yeah, well I can't take all the credit - God's inspiring words helped my arm move through the air with the force necessary to create a welt of such magnitude."
It should never be forgotten that Christianity is not the only religion that has followers who consider violence to be their God-given responsibility.
Of course Christians criticize radical Islam for their desire to kill innocence with the, "It's perfectly fine to commit minor acts of violence against children, but to actively pursue their death is taking things way too far," argument. I keep expecting to drive by a local church and in place of the usual "God Loves You," sign, see the words, "Keep Your Physical Abuse at a Reasonable Level."
I suppose I understand why it's necessary for Christians to use force in order to discipline their children. I think it would be very difficult to teach them values based on a book full of contradictions.
"If you go by this Bible verse I did the right thing, Daddy."
"Yeah, but if you go by these three verses here, and this one in Deuteronomy, it's clear that you did the wrong thing, Son."
"But that doesn't make any sense!"
"Oh yeah, well, uhhh... get my paddle and bend over my knee!"
I understand raising children is not easy - but people who resort to violence as soon as things become difficult are what I refer to as a Neanderthals.
And of course spanking isn't even enough for some fundamentalist Christians.
Take the lady who played Blaire in the Facts of Life. She has bragged about her fondness for putting hot sauce on her children's tongues when they've been naughty.
Does anyone really believe she does this for the benefit of her offspring? Does anyone really believe that she doesn't immensely enjoy the feeling of power that comes with abusing her children in a manner that likely won't result in a lengthy prison sentence?
Her book, Creative Correction, which gives abusive punishment ideas to Christian parents, is basically a guide for demented souls who believe children are their property to be treated however they see fit - yet have no desire to see the inside of a jail cell.
I suppose I could be wrong. I suppose when those kids are all grown up and asked, "So, how have you managed to not go on a shooting spree all these years," they'll respond, "I have to give all the credit to God and a few drops of perfectly placed Tabasco."
I suppose, after they have children of their own, they'll never be at a Mexican restaurant, and when asked by the server if they'd like mild or hot sauce on their burrito, curl up in a little ball on the cushion of the booth, rocking back and forth, hugging their knees and sucking their thumb while screaming, "But why Mommy - I've been a good boy! I've been a very, very good boy!"
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