Kindred,
Do you know the difference between discipline and punishment?
Discipline is not retribution for an offense, punishment for slights or retaliation.
Discipline is the teaching of proper behavior, conduct in rules, ethics or honor codes.
A good parent or teacher will make discipline about learning these rules, good behaviors and practices with self confidence, self control, positive motivations and disincentives for negative behaviors, such as loss of privileges.
What happens when there is a total lack of discipline?
What happens when there are no distinctions between holy and unholy, good and bad?
What good parent let their children do whatever they want?
No good parent would willing let their children harm themselves or engage in destructive behaviors.
And no good priest would willingly let their flock be corrupted by sin and damnation or be eaten by wolves intending harm.
Good parents teach their children what they need to be in order to a better person.
Good priests preach what is needed for salvation.
Ultimately, positive discipline is a demonstration of care in the development of the individual; it is necessary for positive growth and guidance towards the narrow way.
