Augustine, Luther, and Solomon: Providing Pastoral Guidance to Parents on the Corporal Punishment of Children

Abstract

Although corporal punishment is widely practiced in Protestant families, there is a growing body of medical and mental health research associating the practice with significant risks. As a result of this research, policy makers and courts are increasingly limiting, even prohibiting the corporal punishment of children by parents. This article illustrates this trend through a case study in which a parent is facing a civil child protection action as a result of corporal punishment resulting in an injury. In answering theological questions posed by the parent, the article draws not only upon scripture but historic and current Christian teachings regarding the practice of corporal punishment. The article also discusses the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of survivors of physical abuse who have left the church as a result of teachings pertaining to corporal punishment.