Care Conversations

Care Conversations 11 – Comparing Discipline with Punishment

We are wrestling with the concepts of ‘Punishment’ and ‘Discipline”.

Put most simply, Punishment satisfies the one who is offended; discipline deals with, challenges and guides the one who is offensive.

Punishment as righteous vengeance has been removed from the children of God; it is the sole entitlement of God to punish.

Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”[1]

It seems clear from the Scriptures, that punishment has been dealt with at the cross, it is not an action that can be exercised by us in relation to our responsibilities as educators. We are called to be shepherds not judges.

A number of people are probably thinking about serious behavioural situations that require drastic action, even the possibility of the removal of a student from the community.

Again, we need some word/concept analysis. Is there a difference between ‘expulsion’ and ‘exclusion’. I would suggest that the answer is, ’Yes’.

Expulsion is an irreversible removal of an offending person; the concept contains no idea of redemption. It is a punishment; it satisfies those who initiate the expulsion. It is a closed door.

Exclusion is a removal and a recognition that at this point in time an ongoing relationship is not possible. It requires a change of attitude and/or behaviour in order for the relationship to continue. It is a door that remains open if the future situation changes.[2]

Sometimes it is helpful to create space for an offending student to consider their attitudes, decision, behaviours and future. Taking Time-Out can be helpful for both teacher and student.

It enables anger, frustration and hurt to dissipate; it can indicate the serious nature of the harm being caused. It can provide a time of reflection by teacher and student.

We have to be careful to think and consequently act from a Biblical Christian understanding, not just fall into convenient expediency. School communities should be thoughtful about the issue of Discipline.

Let me try to summarise:

Comparisons between Punishment and Corrective Discipline

I encourage Christian School communities to think deeply and biblically about these things.

Blessings,
Brian

[1] Romans 12:19

[2] I have been involved in a number of schools that differentiate expulsion and exclusion. Exclusion for very serious offences usually involved non-attendance for a significant time period, usually at least a term. There was a pre-arranged meeting between myself and the family at the end of this period to discuss the possibility of re-entry to the community, and what would be necessary for this to occur.  70% of families did not take up the offer of negotiated re-entry. We accepted that as a legitimate choice; the point was that we did not lock families out from the possibility of restoration.