Comfort Theology or Worm Theology?

I was struck by a section in our book this week entitled, “Functional Consequences of Comfort Theology.”  Our author traces some of the classic Sociological theorists’ ideas concerning the declining significance of religion.  As a society, we find it unsettling to be poked and prodded by sermons from the pulpit.  We go to church to feel good, so don’t remind us that there are starving Africans across the world – we just want to get through this and back home to our roast beef dinner.  I believe our author makes a valid point, however, it also reminded me of a concept called “worm theology.”  Rebecca of Rebecca Writes poses how certain uncomfortable phases have been excluded for even our hymnbooks due to the possibility of making one uncomfortable in the service. Another blogger, Andy, responds to some of Rebecca’s comments.  Are we so self-possessed that we really are only out to make ourselves feel good?  That concerns me.  I don’t like to feel bad – who does?  But I also feel a responsibility to be aware and actively involved in serving God however He might call me to do that.  Seeking only comfort will not challenge me to expand my horizons nor broaden my knowledge about the world.  So there is a measure of discomfort that I must endure to become the servant He desires me to be. 

To Spank or not to Spank

This week our book takes a look at marriage and the family from a Christian perspective.  Since we are discussing family violence in class, I wanted to address the section in the chapter entitled, “Abusive Parents.”  In this section, the author refers to the believe that to spare the rod is to spoil the child.  Currently, the issue of corporal punishment (spanking) is a hot debate.  The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics has taken a public stand against corporal punishment.  A well-known sociologist from the Family Violence Center at the University of New Hampshire, by the name of Murray Straus, also has researched the effects of corporal punishment within the family. His findings support the idea that corporal punishment can be detrimental to a child’s well-being.  This is a topic that most of us have very strong feelings about and most of those feelings come from the fact that we were spanked as children, and since we are all ok, then spanking must be ok.  I am not an advocate of using spanking as a method of discipline.  That does not mean that I think children should not be disciplined – I absolutely believe that children MUST be disciplined.  However, I fear that spanking children is the least effective way to accomplish what most parents desire to teach.  We know the Bible proverb about sparing the rod, but does that actually mean we are to beat our children with sticks?  Since most of us would not do that, then I believe the principle being taught in this proverb is that we are to effectively parent our children and teach them self-control.  I spanked my children very few times when they were growing up and if I had it to do allover again, I would not spank at all.