5 Maxims for Parents
The author says:
The following "rules of thumb" for parenting have three sources. First, all are either directly taught by Scripture or are derived from Scriptural teaching. This is fundamental, since Scripture is the basis for Christian parenting. God has given us His children into our care for a time, and He instructs us how we are to raise them. If we refuse to listen to His instructions, we are guilty of arrogance and rebellion of a high order.
Second, these maxims grow out of my wife’s (Noel) and my efforts to apply Scripture in training our nine children (ages 0 to 17). We have had successes and failures and still have much to learn. Yet, these are some of the important things we have learned so far.
Finally, they reflect mistakes we make as parents, and observation of mistakes that other parents make.
1. Children are sinners, not innocent and naturally good (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-18).
2. You are the parents and they are the children.
3. Corporal discipline is a good and proper method for child training (Proverbs 19:18; 29:15).
4. Children grow up.
5. God is sovereign.
- Read Peter Leithart's commentary on each of these maxims in full here
The following "rules of thumb" for parenting have three sources. First, all are either directly taught by Scripture or are derived from Scriptural teaching. This is fundamental, since Scripture is the basis for Christian parenting. God has given us His children into our care for a time, and He instructs us how we are to raise them. If we refuse to listen to His instructions, we are guilty of arrogance and rebellion of a high order.
Second, these maxims grow out of my wife’s (Noel) and my efforts to apply Scripture in training our nine children (ages 0 to 17). We have had successes and failures and still have much to learn. Yet, these are some of the important things we have learned so far.
Finally, they reflect mistakes we make as parents, and observation of mistakes that other parents make.
1. Children are sinners, not innocent and naturally good (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:9-18).
2. You are the parents and they are the children.
3. Corporal discipline is a good and proper method for child training (Proverbs 19:18; 29:15).
4. Children grow up.
5. God is sovereign.
- Read Peter Leithart's commentary on each of these maxims in full here
