This is an excellent overview of corporal punishment in the Bible (OT primarily). In this case, corporal punishment is applied to both adults and children. William Webb makes a very persuasive Biblical case for utilizing exclusively non-corporal methods of discipline with children. Three reasons particularly stand out: an analogy with abolishing slavery not merely reforming slavery, more gentle and constructive means are available, and protecting the Christian witness. These three reasons among others result in Christians being obligated to embrace non-corporal punishment exclusively. ( )