It is unchristian to hit your child, even if it is for disciplinary purposes.
Pacific Council of Churches representative Reverend Sitiveni Kua made these comments while speaking during the National Conversation on Corporal Punishment held at the USP Japan ICT Centre.
Reverend Kua says Christians should rethink their interpretation of the scripture regarding the disciplining of children.
He says the translation of “spare the rod, spoil the child” in Proverbs 13:24 does not endorse punishment but instead calls for guidance, protection, and teaching with care.
Reverend Kua explained that in scripture, discipline is meant to be restorative, not punitive; focusing on building character rather than inflicting pain.
He added that Fijians often interpret the “rod” as physical punishment, but in Hebrew literature, the rod is also a metaphor for guidance, authority, and instruction.
Reverend Kua says resorting to violence against children contradicts Christian teaching that every child bears the image of God, as taught in the book of Genesis.
He said harming a child’s body or spirit in the name of discipline contradicts this divine character.
Reverend Kua stressed that discipline must be rooted in love and guided by reason, not fear or violence.
He urged churches and parents to model non-violent forms of discipline grounded in dialogue, prayer, example, and nurturing.
He added that love and discipline can coexist without harm.
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