This post by Ann Voskamp, one of my favourite bloggers of all time, was touching to me. If you have a few minutes, head on over and let her tell you What to do on Hard Days.
How to Train Up a Child. Ever heard of the book? It is very controversial and here is a review by Tim Challies. It is a two part review, actually; part 1, part 2. If you follow the links to the review you will discover that Tim Challies speaks against using the methods that are encouraged within the book. I am in agreement with Mr. Challies.
There is an excellent post about honesty on Warrior Wives. I think that the point, truth without love and kindness is honesty but still sinful, is correct. I encourage you to read this excellent post for yourself if time allows.
This post on Grace Full Mama was really touching in its examination of what serving is all about.
8 comments
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annie
August 6, 2012 at 12:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Why would you even discuss this horrible book if you disagree with it as you do? It is a terrible, abusive, violent, and just plain WRONG viewpoint – why even spread knowledge of such a terrible training guide? Children can be taught Godly respect and obiedence without using any physical punishment. I find it disturbing that you would even provide links about this kind of “training” given your current situation.
Ponder Woman
August 6, 2012 at 1:51 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
If you read the review I linked to then I quite fail to understand how you find it disturbing that I linked to it.
Why would I link to anything to do with this book? Simple. Many people have heard of this book. Many people have read this book. For all I know, some of those people read my blog. For all I know they haven’t thought through some of the underlying philosophies that these methodologies are based upon. That is why I would do such a disturbing thing as link to an excellent review wherein, for a nice change, the author does not stoop to character assassination while finding fault with the content itself.
Ryan
August 6, 2012 at 4:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I agree with Annie. Maybe some people have heard of it, but maybe they have not. Maybe this is the first place they have heard of it and then decide to use these methods themselves. By spreading the word about these teachings it also adds to the number of children who will be abused by people that agree with these methods. Why not review a book that you did like and which spreads a positive message and the glory of God?
Ponder Woman
August 6, 2012 at 8:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for stopping by, Ryan. When I find a review which I like about a book which I have enjoyed and found helpful, I’m sure I will link to it some Monday.
Jewel
August 6, 2012 at 10:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This is a terrible, child-abuse promoting book! I am glad that God showed you that, and I too agree with what Mr.Challies has to say about it. I have read his review before and he is spot on.
Actually, I think it is good that you mentioned it and “called it out” so to speak. I heard this book so heavily promoted by many of the homeschooling mothers I knew that I thought it must be something wonderful. I was so sickened when I actually read some of it.
Ponder Woman
August 7, 2012 at 2:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hi Jewel, thank you for visiting and sharing your opinion. I just edited a few of your words out simply because I wanted to avoid the comments turning into a mud-slinging contest over the authors’ character attributes. I hope you understand and won’t hold that against me.
madame
August 8, 2012 at 6:57 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you for sharing the review of Michael and Debi Pearl’s book, Ponder Woman. I think Tim Challies does a great job explaining what is so wrong with the Pearl’s approach to child training/ discipline, something that many reviews on Amazon didn’t go into, but thankfully put me off buying the books.
I followed the link to his review of Debi’s book to wives and couldn’t agree more with his conclusion.
I would have thrown the books against the wall. Challies is a bit less emotional and took the time to explain WHY the books are not such a good idea, not even for conservative Christians.
I’ll go visit Ann Vosskamp now!
Ponder Woman
August 8, 2012 at 9:13 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m glad you found it helpful.