William J. Webb defuses misguided readings of biblical passages that call for the corporal punishment of children, slaves and wrongdoers. Setting these passages in their ancient cultural context, Webb reaffirms the importance of reading Scripture with God?s redemptive movement in mind.

This book argues that abusive punishments are particularly deeply rooted in authoritarian states and in some Western countries such as Britain and the USA, from which they have been exported over past centuries. The book surveys a variety of psychological, physically constraining, custodial, corporal and capital punishments. The implicit punitive content of judicial processes such as trial, as well as treatments such as behavioural therapy, may have as much psychological impact as more explicitly physical punishments.

Much-needed answers to your toughest parenting questions! Why are boundaries so important? Do children really want limits set on their behavior? My spouse doesn’t seem to care about discipline; why I am I stuck being the “bad guy?” Is it okay to spank my child, or will it lead him to hit others and become a violent person? Join the millions of caring parents who have found answers in the wisdom of parenting authority and family counselor Dr. James Dobson. The New Dare to Discipline is a revised and updated edition of the classic bestseller, designed to help you lead your children through the tough job of growing up. This practical, reassuring guide will teach you how to meet your children’s needs of love, trust, affection—and discipline. (This new edition is part of Dr. James Dobson’s Building A Family Legacy initiative.)

Does God really want children to be spanked? Where did spanking come from? How can I discipline my children in a manner that is truly pleasing to God? In Gentle Firmness, Stephanie G. Cox answers all of these questions and more. Take this fascinating journey to learn how to accurately read and interpret the "rod" verses of Proverbs. See why spanking is more of a church doctrine rather than a biblical principle. Read many stories from actual people raised in Christian homes that were "lovingly" spanked and yet were emotionally scarred. And finally, discover how ALL children can be effectively disciplined in a biblical manner without being hurt. Stephanie G. Cox, M.S.Ed is severely physically disabled with cerebral palsy. She is an amazing overcomer, as evidenced by the fact that she typed the entire book the way she always types...with her nose!

At one time, the use of corporal punishment by parents in child-rearing was considered normal, but in the second half of the nineteenth century this begin to change, in Quebec as well as the rest of the Western world. It was during this period that the extent of ill-treatment inflicted on children—treatment once excused as good child-rearing practice—was discovered. This book analyzes both the advice provided to parents and the different forms of child abuse within families. Cliche derives her information from family magazines, reports and advice columns in newspapers, people’s life stories, the records of the Montreal Juvenile Court, and even comic strips. Two dates are given particular focus: 1920, with the trial of the parents of Aurore Gagnon, which sensitized the public to the phenomenon of “child martyrs;” and 1940, with the advent of the New Education movement, which was based on psychology rather than strict discipline and religious doctrine. There has always been child abuse. What has changed is society’s sensitivity to it. That is why defenders of children’s rights call for the repeal of Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code, which authorizes “reasonable” corporal punishment. Abuse or Punishment? considers not only the history of violence towards children in Quebec but the history of public perception of this violence and what it means for the rest of Canada.

What would you say if you found out that one of the most controversial verses in the Bible was one of the Ten Commandments? The sixth commandment, as stated in Exodus 5:13 says, "Thou shalt not kill." But this seemingly simple statement might not mean exactly what you think. For years, anti-capital punishment advocates have been using this commandment as their cornerstone, but in fact, this commandment, which in Hebrew actually reads "You shall not murder," is a call to Christians everywhere to mete out the Lord's justice and execute those who go against his command. In his insightful and indicting book, The Bible and Capital Punishment, author Steve Muller takes an in-depth look at what God truly expects from his followers. Covering all manner of seemingly unclear subjects, from prostitution to disobedience, Muller shows that these issues are much more cut and dry than we might realize. If you are looking for a definitive directive to define the correct actions for a practicing Christian, look no further than Muller's comprehensive work concerning one of the most important and controversial of God's commandments, The Bible and Capital Punishment.