The Global Conversation

Let's also quit misusing the Proverbs. They are not promises but principles. "Raising a child in its way" is a cryptic verse open to various translations and meanings. Also in the NT a husband/father with an unbelieving child could not be an elder. What do we do with that?

This is an article that is long overdue. The parenting myth depicted here is just part of a frequent pattern of teaching in the church that goes something like "6 Steps to Successful..." We the Church have absorbed the fruit of the 18th century Enlightenment, and its consequent Scientific Method, and applied it to everything from businesses to churches to parents. We need to hear more expositional teaching from the Scritpures, dwell more in the Word and live it out in dependence upon our Creator. The faith community needs to be a true community: more humble and supportive. By the way, just as we should not depend too much on B.F. Skinner and the like, let's not put too much faith in genetics either. I've seen too many "mellow" children faithfully following the Lord, and too many "difficult" children going their own way. Let's not substitute one "scientific" answer for another. And let's re-visit that verse in Proverbs, "...when a child is OLD..." and release them to God.

An intriguing article; this writer's book has been entered on my wish list. And every Christian parent's wish list should include "Gospel-Powered Parenting" by William P. Farley. Highly, highly recommended.

I am thankful that this issue is finally out in the open. We have too long inferred or directly led parents to believe that they were solely responsible for how their children turn out. Do we parents have responsibility? Of course we do. But no parent is perfect and our children have a free will. How much pain could have been avoided by simply understanding that, as in most things in life, we have a significant, but limited control of the outcome.

Thank you for a very insightful article. I live in Brasil and have 7 adopted children and two biological. My husband left (with some of the children) about 10 yrs ago.It has not been easy and some of my children are in dire circumstances (drugs, drinking, jail, teenage pregnancy) but, in all of their lives I see God"s grace at work. I have done all I can to teach them in God's way but they make their own choices...genetics is an enormous factor and yet you can never underestimate God's power to change their lives! Before I adopted my kids God had shown me Ezekiel 3 & 4 and that I was to faithfully preach the word even it they chose not to listen. I had no idea how things would turn out but God knew and prepared me through His word to be committed no matter what. He is good, faithful and awesome and we need to be obedient to what He has called us to do. It has always helped me to remember that God is a perfect parent but His children many times fall short of the mark...

Page 2 of 2 Does that mean our kids will always be perfect - no. But it does mean that we won't nag ourselves with second guessing and doubt. So - my thinking is - suck it up, and step up to the plate. And never give up, and never let go. Say you're sorry when you are wrong or you fail them. Say you love them at least twice a day. Say "No" - a lot. Talk about your own relationship to God, all the time. Read them God's word, all the time. Teach them to look at the sky, and worship God through His creation. Teach them they don't need everything they think they want. Teach them that today is passing and only what's done for Christ will last. And say you're sorry when you fail them - did I say that? Let me say it again - you aren't perfect, learn to say you're sorry.

Page 1 of 2 I find that, so often, believers are looking for excuses as to why they've failed their children. I thought that the most enlightening thought was that we have a duty to be on our knees, first, as parents. Which is so profoundly true I think we sometimes miss that fact that, if we truly are, it will show in our children. But, by no means does it stop there. Childrearing demands consistency 60 seconds a minute, 60 minutes an hour, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year till you're dead! No excuses. Don't have kids if you're not willing to fight for that child every day of the rest of your life. (continued)

you guys need to chilllllllll and dont try to make decisions for your children chillllll

A lot yearn for discernment. Focused evil needs stoped asap. Know that Lord jesus is for undestanding but not accept evil. Do best that you can.Afflicted Drugs for pains. A lot of companies want to stop righteouss laws. We should be ready. We need christian businesses, you and attornys with security. Christian non demon-constant comedy,low mart arts scenes, non voodoo films.Hip designs. gold and black and white cross designs, Yellow and gray. Non evil color schemes and comfort and christian hip hop music-pentecost. Not red and blue scared co design. State Not funded? By group?!! Thanks. Rev 12:9-torments And fools us. Choose righteouss God.Psa99:9-outiside p., col 3:11 kjv. Rom 12:2. Be careful! Surrender all!! CHRIST POWER !! CHRIST POWER!!! CHRIST POWER!!

As the parent of two adult children who have each lost a spouse (one to suicide and the other through divorce), I have grieved with them and wondered about the part they may have played in each of their losses. I see so many similarities in my parents, siblings, and other family members, that I'm convinced genetics (nature) is not the absolute determinant of our behavior, but it is a lot - perhaps MORE than nuturing. I raised them well, and they are God's.