THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 15, 1995 TAG: 9509150005
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Regarding ``Bible and punishment'' (letter, Aug. 21): ``Spare the rod and spoil the child'' has sometimes been interpreted to mean that a parent should hit the child.
But consider this explanation: A rod, to the writer of the Bible's words, probably meant a shepherd's rod. And a good shepherd uses his rod not to beat his sheep, but to gently guide them.
Another thought brought up in the letter is the importance of discipline. Yes, a parent should discipline a child. But we should remember that to discipline does not mean to hit. To discipline means to teach. There are many methods of teaching, and hitting is the worst of them.
EMILY HUNTER SLINGLUFF
Virginia Beach, Sept. 1, 1995 MEMO: Editor's note: Ms. Slingluff is the author of ``A Primer for Positive
Parenting.''
by CNB