The pattern of punitive parenting will be studied in its historical context within American Protestantism. A less-noticed alternative pattern will be spelled out which will also have a basis within the literary tradition. A moral critique of punitive parenting will be articulated in terms that respond to the challenge surveyed. At the center of my normative argument will be an examination of and argument against corporal punishment of children. However, radiating out from that are a variety of other practices: deception, humiliation, confinement, withholding of nourishment, and similar forms of psychological and physical maltreatment. The agenda is laid out by three representative accusers who with good grounds blame mainstream Protestant concepts of God and morality for punitive parenting practices. This is a challenge which Christian ethics has not adequately faced. In response the dissertation will review the literature of American Protestantism on child—rearing noting not only the punitive pattern, but also a less punitive alternative pattern. Christian rationales which have in the past been used to justify “poisonous pedagogy” will be examined and challenged on Christian grounds. A theological foundation for a non-violent, non-authoritarian, humane model of parenting will be proposed.