The Healing Power of Christ's Atonement
- Raymond Melendez
- Apr 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 13
The ongoing debate over corporal punishment in U.S. schools, sparked by recent events, brings to light the tension between discipline and harm in raising children. Proverbs 23:13 suggests that corporal punishment was once seen as necessary to discipline children, but Jesus Christ invites us to reflect on the redemptive form of discipline. Matthew 19:14 emphasizes Christ's love for children, calling us to shift our focus from punitive measures to spiritual guidance through the Holy Scriptures. In this way, discipline is found not in inflicting harm but in embracing the redemptive power of Christ, offering spiritual guidance and salvation.
Illinois Bans Corporal Punishment
In March 2025, Illinois became the fifth state to ban corporal punishment in schools, prohibiting practices like paddling and spanking in both public and private institutions. This move reflects a growing national trend toward more supportive, non-violent approaches to discipline, as research shows that corporal punishment can cause long-term psychological harm, especially among children. Advocates argue that children, regardless of background, deserve a learning environment free from harm. This shift challenges the traditional idea of discipline, once grounded in verses like Proverbs 23:13, which suggested physical punishment as an effective form of discipline. However, Jesus Christ offers a redemptive form of discipline that does not inflict harm but intercedes and saves (Gershoff & Grogan-Kaylor, 2016).
Christ-like Discipline
In contrast to Illinois' move to ban corporal punishment, a proposal in Memphis, Tennessee, to reinstate physical discipline in schools has sparked heated debate. Amid concerns over rising classroom disruptions, a school board commissioner has suggested reintroducing corporal punishment as a solution. While some argue it’s necessary, critics, including child advocacy groups and educators, warn that such methods are outdated and harmful. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus encourages us to guide children towards him without the fear of punishment and to adopt his method of discipline. Instead of causing harm, Jesus presents a path through prayer and the Holy Scriptures, offering spiritual guidance and truth—a path that influences and corrects the behaviors of children.
The Dangers of Physical Punishment
The tragic death of 12-year-old Anthony McCants in Ohio in March 2025 has highlighted the severe risks of corporal punishment, reigniting calls for stricter discipline policies in schools. The incident, in which extreme physical punishment led to the child's death, reveals the dangers of using physical force as a corrective measure. Experts, including pediatricians and child psychologists, advocate for alternative discipline methods that focus on positive reinforcement rather than harm. While Proverbs 23:13 suggests that physical punishment may be necessary for correction, the ultimate fulfillment of discipline is found in Christ's suffering. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross absorbed the punishment for all sin, turning the painful process of correction into one of intercession and redemption (Lansford et al., 2018).
"By his wounds we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).
Christ's suffering breaks the cycle of harmful punishment, offering healing, spiritual guidance, and salvation for all.
Michigan State University Study
A 2024 Michigan State University study reveals that while the majority of U.S. schools have moved away from corporal punishment, nearly 70,000 students still face physical discipline each year, with Black and disabled students disproportionately affected. The study emphasizes the need for policy reform, advocating for alternatives rooted in restorative justice and conflict resolution. This call for change mirrors the teachings of the Book of Mormon, particularly in Alma 36:18, where Alma the Younger suffers before receiving Christ’s mercy, paralleling the salvation offered through Christ’s sacrifice. Just as Alma found remission through Christ, so too can we move beyond harmful discipline practices to embrace a system that offers mercy, healing, spiritual guidance, and redemption for all children, including adults (Smith et al., 2024).
The Future of School Discipline
The ongoing debate over corporal punishment in U.S. schools highlights a growing divide, with states like Illinois moving toward banning it while others, such as Memphis, reconsider its use. Despite these differing approaches, incidents like the tragic death in Ohio and research pointing to the harms of physical discipline call for change. As evidence of the long-term damage caused by corporal punishment mounts, the hope is that schools will adopt harmless strategies for fostering positive behavior. Jesus Christ offers a profound alternative. Through his atonement, Christ provides a genuine transformation that arises not from punishment but through prayer and spiritual guidance from the Holy Scriptures. In Matthew 19, Jesus' invitation for the little children to come to him highlights their need for his intercession and spiritual guidance through the Holy Scriptures.
Atonement: A New Approach
As the debate over corporal punishment in schools continues, it is clear that a shift is underway toward harmless and more effective approaches to discipline. The tragic incidents, such as the death of Anthony McCants and the research from Michigan State University, serve as powerful reminders of the dangers and disparities tied to physical punishment. In contrast, Jesus Christ presents a redemptive model of discipline that emphasizes spiritual guidance, mercy, healing, and salvation rather than punishment.
The call to embrace non-violent methods of discipline echoes the invitation Christ made to children in Matthew, inviting them to come to him freely, without fear. As we move forward, the hope is that schools across the nation will embrace this Christ-like approach to discipline, fostering an environment where children, through his intercession and spiritual guidance, can thrive emotionally, spiritually, and academically—free from physical harm and punishment.
Works Cited
