"I am sorry you were hurt by someone who should have represented God as love!
"
Wasn't me. It was a young boy in my neighborhood. I was an adult long before he was born.
Funniest thing of all was that the boy's father, at his trial for child abuse, tried to use Dobson's words in his defense. He said that Dobson told him to use a switch, and to keep hitting the boy if he kept crying.
It's in the book. Dobson does recommend the use of a switch. He does recommend giving a child some more of it if he cries too long. I guess this guy didn't read the whole thing...just the part he wanted to read.
The father got 5 years in prison. I guess the jury didn't buy his defense. The boy...well, he's doing OK now, thanks to some really good foster parents.
No, Dobson did not intend that children be scarred. Yet, there are many cases just like that one out there. People do not read everything. They do not read the cautionary material. They do not necessarily understand what Dobson was writing.
They do read that children are like dogs and must be punished until they behave. They do read that they should use a switch or a paddle to punish their child for "misbehavior." Sometimes, they miss the point and use too big a switch, apply it too strenuously.
That's the risk of writing books like Dobson's. Go look up "Dobson child abuse" (no quotes) on Google and read some of the pages that you'll find.
If you get the idea that I do not like James Dobson, you are correct. I cry when children are abused. I am angry at those who give people permission to do so, even if they did not intend to do so.
Jesus would not have beaten a child with a stick, or even a switch. I can guarantee that to you. If you doubt me, it's time to read Matthew again. In fact, I recommend reading Matthew once a year, whatever your religious beliefs.
Never heard of this guy before today. What does a scam artest caught in a drug deal and bi-sexual encounters have anything to do with how this country is going to be run in the near future?
Thank you! I appreciate your thoughtful response!
I have taught classes for teachers in the past about using positive affirmations for kids which I believe this world cannot get enough! The book I used was called 'Discipline Without Tears' and it gives you an understanding of why kids misbehave and how to deal with it. It is Not a syrupy liberal book, but it gives you common sense guidelines on what to look for and how to deal with problems using practical solutions.
The bible is full of affirmations! My favorite is found in Isaiah 43:
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, and He who formed you: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine!
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior...
Since You are precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life.
Fear not, for I am with you...