Wow, members of the Bethel Baptist Church in Contra Costa, CA must have been pretty happy when California's proposed spanking ban was shot down in January. Why were they happy? Because God told them to beat their children and not spanking your child is opposing God's will and also preventing your child from developing wisdom.
The church, which also runs a 200 student school, published an 8 panel brochure outlining their rules for spanking. They discourage parents from using their hand but rather a flexible stick to swat children until their will is broken. But don't worry the church isn't condoning a free for all, the brochure cautions against spanking with cords, hairbrushes or (gulp) a 2-by-4. God must have also said, "Thou shalt not beat a child with construction materials."
The brochure describes nothing unlawful but a bill making it's way through the state assembly could interfere with the no hand policy of the church. The bill allows parents to spank with an open hand but makes it illegal to hit with other objects...including a closed fist. (What the H*LL?) Pastor Kent Brandenburgh and several church members insist what they are doing is not abusive but necessary to raise well adjusted children.
Best quote from a parent at the church: "With my girls, the spanking relieved them of their guilt, which allowed them to be happy in a very short time afterward." Generally happy? Or just happy they weren't being hit with a stick anymore?
