1. So... I’m on a parenting *thing () tonight, & so y’all gotta bare with me.

I don’t believe the Bible teaches spanking, I believe the Bible teaches discipline. I believe A lack of understanding cultural dynamics has led us to misinterpret Bible texts to reenforce spanking..

2. The most popular text that we interpret as being about spanking is Proverbs

Proverbs 22:15
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.”

However, it’s important to understand what a “rod” was in its historical context...

3. The language the Bible uses for parenting is that of “shepherding”. “A rod” is a tool used by a shepherd and it has 2 functions. On one end it has a budded edge that is used to fight off predators, the other side has a hook that is used to redirect sheep that go astray.

4. Notice in the psalm, “thy rod and thy staff comfort me”. Is the psalmist saying he is comforted by God’s spankings? No. He is comforted by God’s rod b/c in shepherding context a rod is used to fight off enemies & provide guidance. Historical & cultural Context is so important.

5. The “rod of discipline” isn’t speaking about a rod used to spank or beat a child. The “rod of discipline” is a reference to a guiding hand. Folly is wrapped up in the heart of a child, a parent who doesn’t guide them like a shepherd uses his rod to do, will meet trouble.

6. My view of Christians & spanking is that spanking is cultural & not biblical. It isn’t necessarily anti-biblical, but it isn’t biblical and is wrapped up in cultural parenting dynamics. Parents who spank need to understand that they aren’t being “biblical” when they do.

7. I don’t think “spanking” is inherently abusive, but I do believe it doesn’t equal faithfulness in parenting, it often can lead to childhood trauma and be dehumanizing even when done with care. The church needs to re-evaluate its posture on spanking and scripture, imo.

. https://twitter.com/kylejameshoward/status/1328209425551798273