Source: Fr. Joe’s Newsletter - Moving to Russia
August 15, 2025
It is no secret that children should obey their parents. Scripture says so:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.” (Ephesians 6:1)
But when children disobey, what should be the response? Do we helplessly sit by, and wring our hands, just hoping that someday our children will magically learn to behave with honor and respect? Or can parents take a direct role in shaping the will and personality of a child, doing our part to mold each child into the likeness of Christ?
In modern Western culture, it is commonly assumed that a child’s will must not be broken, lest we harm the child’s self-esteem. Pop culture indoctrinates us with the assumption that children should be given free-reign to make lots of choices, “express themselves”, and be given numerous opportunities to assert their own individual wills.
As usual, pop culture is diametrically opposed to the teaching of the Orthodox Church.
... Read the rest at Fr. Joe’s Newsletter - Moving to Russia.