[Jeb Stuart Thurmond]

Friends,

I am sorry it has come to this, but I must address a disturbing trend I have noticed in certain Christian communities.

Certain disturbing acts have occured. Mistakes have been made. It does not matter who in particular is guilty, by failing to prevent these incidents, we are ALL guilty.

I simply can't beat around the bushes any more, the issue I am talking about is child abuse.

There are two types of child abuse mentioned in the Bible:

1 - HATRED OF CHILDREN

The first form of child abuse is to hate your child, in particular by refusing to physically discipline them with the proper instrument:

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes - Proverbs 13:24

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him - Proverbs 22:15

Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Proverbs 23:13 (Any punishment short of killing them is good).

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame. Proverbs 29:15

So we actually agree with people who say that spanking is child abuse - but only because spanking is too lenient, a rod, for example a walking stick or a golf club, is what Jesus wants you to use.

No Greater Joy Ministries explains the proper way to discipline your child:

How many licks?

There is no number that can be given. It would be better to administer more licks that are less forceful than to administer few licks that hurt severely. It is much more effective to administer chastisement or punishment in a slow thoughtful fashion. Our goal is to cause the child to voluntarily surrender his will. We want to impress upon him the severity of his disobedience. It takes time and thoughtfulness for the child to come to repentance. I have told a child I was going to give him 10 licks. I count out loud as I go. After about three licks, leaving him in his position, I would stop and remind him what this is all about. I would continue slowly, still counting, stop again and tell him that I know it hurts and I wish I didn’t have to do it but that it is for his own good. Then I would continue slowly. Pretending to forget the count, I would again stop at about eight and ask him the number. Have him subtract eight from ten, (a little homeschooling) and continue with the final two licks. Then I would have him stand in front of me and ask him why he got the spanking. If his answer showed that he was rebellious and defiant, he would get several more licks. Again he would be questioned as to his offense. If he showed total submission, we put it all behind us, but if he were still rebellious, we would continue until he gave over his will.

As you see, child-friendly punishments combine both physical and psychological pain.

2 - NEGLECT OF CHILDREN

The second form of child abuse is neglect of their birthright as True Christians. There is really no excuse for this. Why? Because parenting is so easy. You don't have to be there with them, you only have to hit them with a rod now and then, and buy them things. Let's take a look at what I mean:

In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble - Proverbs 15:6

Blessed is the man who fears the Lord .... Wealth and riches shall be in his house. - Psalm 112:1, 3

Whether it's a Paris Hilton Edition Bible or an automobile, as True Christian Americans, certain tokens of God's appreciation are their birthright. Yet, in certain communities - perhaps even our community - some parents have abused their children by ignoring this part of the Bible.

Here is a graphic example of child abuse which is shockingly similar to incidents that have occured right here, in Christ's own town. (WARNING: do not watch if you have a heart condition, or a tendency to have nightmares)

In short, you've basically inflicted estate taxes on them. (this is why we must prevent the Democrats from taxing inheritance: it will be like inflicting this abuse on every wealthy child in America.)

I know this has been painful for all of us, but this had to be brought out into the light. The sooner we solve the problem the sooner we can put all of this behind us.

Thank you and God Bless America.

EDIT: Thread derailment moved here