Spare the rod, spoil the child: Case 2

While reading a news site a few nights ago, I came across an article that falls right into line with my "Spare the rod, spoil the child" blogs (my first blog and Case 1) and ...and I couldn't help but to be more disturbed about what is happening: children dying from being beaten...in the name of religion.

20/20 published a report: "Child's Death Sheds Light on Biblical Disciplinary Teachings" this past week (11/8) that lightly detailed a handful of child deaths that resulted from punishment from followers of a ministry belonging to Michael Pearl: No Greater Joy (NGJ) Ministries.

He preaches his believers TO not only spank the child but how to do it!  And all, of course, in the name of God. Anderson Cooper did a segment on Pearl:

Because of his teaching...these children have died (recently and in the last few years) as a result:

** Hana--age 11...from the state of Washington. She and her brother were Ethiopian children adopted and brought to the US. 

** Lydia Schatz--age 7...from California. Also adopted.

** Sean Paddock--age 4...South Carolina.

How many more are out there that have yet to be linked to this man and his teachings?  It's sickening to even contemplate.

RH Reality Check published an article November 3rd:

Corpses Don't Rebel: Former Quiverfull Mom Reacts to Death of Hana Williams by "Biblical Chastisement" via Corporal Punishment

The article starts out:

Trigger Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of infant and child abuse.

The death toll from parents following Michael and Debi Pearl’s teachings continues to mount. Another child is has been “biblically chastened” to death via corporal punishment, and Michael Pearl is defending his teachings in the mainstream media while promoting his new book.

The writer, talks about Pearl's methods...and her thoughts about them. If you have the time, I recommend reading it...even though it is a bit long.

The movement against corporal punishment and beating a child in the name of God seems to be picking up momentum. It's about time. It's a horrid way to discipline a child, not to mention what it does to them mentally and emotionally. But look at what it's taken to get the attention across the media!

Do a Google search and you will find a variety of news items, blogs and even videos all related to what I have posted in these blogs. Yet even more...you will find horror stories...some of which will churn your stomach. 

At the risk of sounding redundant...think of the children. We CAN stop this to a larger degree...but it is going to take a lot of time and effort by all of us.  The biggest part of all of this is educating and advocating. 

Just think of the children....

Thanks always for reading.