SESSION 10

Original Sin and Punitive Parenting

Interview 5-10 acquaintances. Ask them about their experiences of being spanked as children. Ask them how and how often they were spanked, what they thought and felt about the spankings at the time, and how they think and feel about them now. Interpret your findings in the light of Greven's book.

OR

Greven vividly illustrates the connection between belief in a "fallen" human nature and harsh, punitive child-rearing.  As you analyze his data and the argument offered by modern psychologists for a more nurturant pattern of parenting, outline your own understanding of human nature and its implications for parenting and describe how you will integrate that understanding into your ministry.

Read:

• James W. Prescott, Body Pleasure and the Origins of Violence
• James W. Prescott, Sixteen Principles for Personal, Family, and Global Peace
• Brenda C. Coleman, "Spanking Causes Misbehavior"
• Susan Gilbert, "Two Spanking Studies Indicate Parents Should Be Cautious"
• Online Parenting Resources

Post your comments for discussion to  "X. Original Sin and Punitive Parenting" in the Discussion Board.