Insane People In The Name Of God (!!??)

August 17, 2011

CNN continues story about the Pearls, Christians who consider spanking a divine gift

August 16, 2011 By God Discussion Reporter

Tonight [last night], CNN's 360 with Anderson Cooper picked up with Gary Tuchman's report on Michael and Debi Pearl, best-selling authors of religiously themed books. The Pearls' methods are controversial, particularly in light of a case involving Kevin and Elizabeth Schatz of Paradise, California, jailed for spanking their two adoptive daughters so severely that one died. The surviving adopted child, as well as their biological children who were also victims of severe punishment, are in foster care.

District attorney Michael Ramsey says there is no doubt in his mind that the Pearls' advice influenced the Schatzes and that they share some responsibility for the abuses and death. A copy of their book, To Train Up a Child, was found in the Schatz home, marked and underscored. His office decided not to prosecute the Pearls because they had a "First Amendment right to say awful things."

From their farm in rural Tennessee, the Pearls says that they are not responsible for the death and that "the rod is a gift from God." Michael Pearl mused, "I've never met any well-trained, emotionally secure, happy, creative children who weren't spanked." He says that while the death is regrettable, the Schatzes' loss of control is not their fault.

Unconcerned about the controversy, the Pearls remain prolific in their writings and preaching, with four new books in the works.