We use the rod of discipline in a progressive discipline model. It is the last resort for us (except in extreme cases). But, just as we all have different needs physicaly & emotionally we also have different needs for learning. Some respond well to reason while others require a more "hands on" approach. Our oldest boy has had less than a dozen spankings in his whole life while our 2nd son was prone to working his way through all of our other steps in our progressive model of discipline & needed the rod of discipline more often. Tough love is a part of real love. It is true that spanking hurts a loving/righteous parent more than the child but I wouldn't be a loving parent if I ignored the needs of my children & neglected my role as disciplinarian. There is a right & wrong way to use the rod of discipline, it's a tool like any other. There are two hammers, one is used to build a home & the other is used to hurt some one. Tell me...which hammer is evil? Neither...it is the hand that wields the hammer that is good or evil. I would never impose my choices on any other family & as long as we are all free to make these tough choices for ourselves then I'll be happy.