MARK-ALAN WHITTLE
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VIOLENCE NO WAY TO TEACH A CHILD

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Ancaster News
After reading reverend Vogel's letter to the editor with respect to the issue of disciplining children, I was left in awe at his hypocrisy and glaring lack of Christian faith that violence of any sort should be avoided, when teaching children right from wrong.
Using an instrument to inflict harm upon another is clearly defined by society as an act of aggression, and not in keeping with the spirit of the passages in the Bible he quotes as religious law.
To take such passages literally shows Vogel has a shallow understanding of his faith, and seems willing to condone violence. Using these passages as written permission from his God to do harm to another is a sin more telling than most.
The spirit of God I grew up with and hold in my heart is not a God that allows this to be an action taken by loving Christians. Rhetorical religious statements such as an "eye for an eye" are meant to show there is always a cause and effect if not in spirit and reality.
His rambling blame assessment on the rest of society for producing undisciplined children rings very hollow when the reader gets to the part of his story where reverend Vogel admits that his own parents inflicted physical harm to his body. He seems to have learned his lesson well, although it is wrong.
With a little Christian creativity Reverend Vogel could find a more acceptable way to show unruly and rebellious children how to behave.
Would Reverend Vogel condone my actions if I where to do as he approves and whip my disabled boy Logan with a stick or wooden spoon because he committed some grave sin or misbehaved? The though of committing such an act should be repulsive to society, and rightly so.
What works and has a lasting learning effect for Logan, is relegating him to quiet time, to reflect in isolation for a while. My wife and I stay with him but do not talk to him until some time for soul searching has elapsed. We then discuss it with Logan openly. We always hug him to reinforce our love and understanding.
What would be the difference between Logan and any other able bodied child when it comes to parents and societies obligation to protect them from harm?

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