Christian parenting is not just one of the different ways to raise a child, it is the only paradigm for a committed Christian to pursue.

Christian Parenting

2 Paradigms

There are basically two paradigms when it comes to Christian Parenting.

One is the Paradigm of Direction.

The other is the Paradigm of Discretion.

These two philosophies are opposites although there are parents who practice these on a sliding scale. If the children perceive the scale changing back and forth it causes confusion and ultimately rebellion.

Christian Parenting – Paradigm of Parent-Direction

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The Bible puts the responsibility of giving direction to the child in the early years. This comes from a serious view of the beliefs and values based on the Word of God. Christian values recognize there is such a thing as truth and error, good and evil and right an wrong. In other words, the Bible espouses a system of moral absolutes and places the responsibility of teaching the children on the shoulders of the parents.

Those involved in Christian Parenting take this responsibility seriously.

For example Scripture condemns certain practices as wrong and sinful…

• Idolatry, murder, adultery, stealing Exodus 20:3-17
• Fornication, witchcraft, hatred, wrath and drunkeness Galatians 5:19-20
• Lying, anger, corrupt communication, evil speaking and malice Ephesians 4:25-31

And the Word of God recommends good and right practices…

• Loving God, loving your Neighbor  Matthew 22:37-39
• Kindness, tenderheartedness and a forgiving spirit Eph. 4:32
• Rejoicing, praying and giving of thanks 1Thess 5:16-18

Parents who take these values seriously are concerned about how to pass these values on to their children. Not just to get them to fit into a mold, but how to instill them in their hearts so as the child matures they will own them as their won.

God was obviously pleased with Abraham because he took directing his family seriously.

Gen 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Christian Parenting Produces the Results

Even our present society sees that a proper character and behavior must be instilled or our present civilization will self destruct. But they often miss the point that there needs to be a basis for the moral right of what they are teaching or their undermining of right character will disintegrate on it’s own.

Skeptical Parenting – Paradigm of Children’s-Discretion

This view is in contrast to the paradigm of a Christian parent who owns their responsibility to give direction. Often this view is adopted because of past experiences of the parents own childhood days. They perceive their parents as having been overbearing and forcing their personal preferences onto their child rather than carefully instructing them in the values and principles of God’s Word.

Skeptical parenting would say there are no absolutes that govern right and wrong. Although this view is untenable when carefully examined, the experiences of the parent often cloud their judgment and keep them from being able to see the truth.

This philosophy of insisting on child choice is not new. It began with Satan in the Garden of Eden. There Eve was informed that God was forcing her to do right and she was missing out on so much because of His bullying attitude. However when we note the happenings, we see that God was the one who allowed the choice in the first place, but He also exerted His influence so Eve and Adam would know the right way. Ultimately the choice was theirs. As in all true parenting there is a place where the parent needs to back away and allow the child to choose. Knowing when to do that is the place that much confusion comes.

God warns us that giving anyone free reign is doomed to failure.

Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Unfortunately in society today the Skeptical Parenting has won the day and we are suffering in our schools, society and families because of this wrong philosophy.

Christian Parenting Gets Clear Direction from the Bible

This is where the Word of God comes in with clear answers that give guidance to parents. It not only puts responsibility on the shoulders of parents to give guidance, it also shows us how to properly navigate the waters of direction giving without falling over into the ditch of controlling.

Christian parenting is not only the best choice for society, but it is the only choice for the committed Christian who wants to make a difference with their children.