United Methodists 'do not condone corporal punishment,' Oklahoma bishop says

I am not a lawmaker or an elected leader of our state’s secular representative government, but I take notice when I see theological discussions enter the public debate at places like the Oklahoma Senate.

It happened quite publicly when the Senate debated over passage of House Bill 1028, which is legislation that would ban schools in Oklahoma from using corporal punishment on children with disabilities. Two verses from the Book of Proverbs were used as tools of persuasion against the legislation.

I get deeply concerned when local state politicians routinely quote Scripture as a rallying cry to gain support for their opinion and perhaps for their future campaigns. I get even more concerned when those quotes appear in headlines, soundbites and social media clips, which might make casual observers conclude that all Christians follow this line of thinking.

As a faith leader in Oklahoma for a worldwide denomination with more than 380 churches across this state, I want to be clear: Corporal punishment in our schools is not core to our faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, the United Methodist Book of Resolutions says, “It is difficult to imagine Jesus of Nazareth condoning any action that is intended to hurt children physically or psychologically.”

I cannot agree more.

That’s not to say every person who claims Christ agrees with the social principles that guide the thousands of UMC members in Oklahoma. We all have our own interpretations of history’s most powerful words — the Holy Bible.

However, the United Methodist Church’s documented social principles within the Book of Resolutions reflect the collected wisdom of Christ-followers from a variety of cultures and backgrounds all around the world. They are adopted by the worldwide General Conference of the UMC, and they serve as a great resource for study and guidance.

Regarding this topic, the social principles say, among other things, that “corporal punishment models aggressive behavior as a solution to conflict.” Jesus never modeled that behavior.

It goes on to state that “children must eventually develop their own conscience and self-discipline, which are fostered by a home environment of love, respect, and trust.”

Finally, it concludes:

“Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church encourages its members to adopt discipline methods that do not include corporal punishment of their children.”

Well-meaning followers of Jesus Christ can have legitimate differences of opinion on the interpretation of ancient Scripture and how such writings should be read in the context of today’s society or with the perspective of the New Testament teachings of Jesus.

I do not profess to be the final arbiter or judge of such interpretations. And I do not envy the position of our elected leaders who are asked to debate and legislate in such divisive times.

Opinion: Oklahoma lawmakers shouldn’t be defending physically disciplining disabled children at school

I can, however, say that as United Methodists, we do not condone corporal punishment.

Our social principles guide us toward our mission of loving God, loving others and making a difference in our world.

We want to instill that foundation in our children, as well, because we know that when we focus on those three things, we can make more disciples of Jesus Christ and transform the world. That is our purpose.

Bishop James G. Nunn is the episcopal leader for the Oklahoma Area of The United Methodist Church.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: United Methodists 'do not condone corporal punishment,' | Okla. bishop