Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. Proverbs 13:24 When I hear people quote that proverb I always cringe a bit. Not at the barbarity of it, although that is cringe worthy, but at the apparent misunderstanding of the difference between obedience and discipline. It seems many people, especially those religious people who subscribe to the admonition of this proverb, simply do not understand that these are two very different ideas. So Id like to break it down for you if I may. Obedience can be won through violence. A person can have not only their physical but also their mental will bent through force into submission to another. That person will do what theyre told, not out of respect or an understanding of why it is appropriate, but solely out of fear. The same people who mistake obedience for discipline also often mistake fear for respect. Or in the least do not care if they are feared or respected as long as they are obeyed. These men who think like that also tell us that their god thinks like that and it has become the backbone of nearly almost all religion. According to these men god wants only your obedience and is willing to torture you for eternity to get it. This may give many a reason to be obedient, but it certainly hasnt made for a more disciplined society. In fact, this idea has led many to the conclusion that its not a crime if they dont get caught. It is a system built on the notion of consequence alone.
Posted on: Sat, 30 Aug 2014 11:22:30 +0000
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