Shepherding a Child's Heart Order Now

I found this book disappointing because it claims to give a biblical way of parenting, but Tedd Tripp does a poor job of interpreting scripture. Instead of looking closely to find the original meaning of the text, he seems to interpret the English version through his own lens of being a parent in this modern world.

To be clear, it isn't just that I disagree (which I do). I do think that there can be honest debate on theological issues. However, that debate needs to start with the original meaning of the text, not how it is interpreted through our cultural lens.

Tedd Tripp acts as if "spanking" is some sort of magical solution that God has promised us will actually change our child's heart. (Not only this but he suggests that to not spank your child is actually being disobedient to God!) He then uses proof texts to back up his view. However, this interpretation does not seem supported by the context or original meaning of the verses, but of which are very important in interpreting scripture. We cannot just read a text in English, apply our own definitions to words, and think that we have the intended meaning! Culture, context, and the original language are important to determine what God was originally trying to communicate to us.

There are other books and scholarly articles that do a good job of this and come to a radically different conclusion. Heartfelt Discipline: The Gentle Art of Training and Guiding Your Child is one such book, though certainly not the only resource.

I think Christian parents would do well to really delve into this issue instead of skimming the surface and allowing their preconceived notions to influence so heavily how they are treating their children. Also, just because you disagree with what an "authority" (if you can call Tedd Tripp and authority) says about parenting does not mean you are disagreeing with God! This book is certainly not the final work on parenting, though, regrettably, it is almost gathering a cult following among Christians.Get more detail about Shepherding a Child's Heart.