Adults Quote by John Shelby Spong
“You don't take your newborn baby, put that baby on your lap, and say, "Now listen, kid, you were born in sin, you're not worth anything, and you've got to pray for mercy." That's not going to raise a healthy adult. And that's what we do Sunday after Sunday after Sunday.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Gospel of the Kingdom, John Shelby Spong, 2005
Religious teaching that condemns children as sinful harms their emotional and spiritual development.
In simple terms: Condemning children for sin harms them.
Key Takeaway
Avoid shaming children; nurture with love.
Themes
parenting
faith
psychology
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
advice
reflective
When to use this quote
- family gatherings
- church services
- parent‑child counseling
Key Concepts
sin
guilt
spiritual health
Questions to Reflect On
- How can faith be taught without shame?
- What alternative messages foster resilience?
A Different Perspective
Children need affirmation, not condemnation, to grow healthily.
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
