Recently, the University of Virginia's Institute on Advanced Culture identified four current parenting styles, with mixed results.

Should we teach our children or should we allow the church to do that? Do youth programs have a positive impact? Do they keep youth them in the church?

Self-appointed experts insist that rapid technological change requires a transfer of influence over children from 'ill-prepared' parents to 'Those Who Know Better.'

For too many youths, God's way of life is not real because their parents are not fully convicted, but merely express a lukewarm preference for God's truth.

The fifth commandment begins the section of six commands regarding our relationships with other people. Children should learn proper respect in the family.

Neither permissiveness nor harshness are endorsed by God; sound-mindedness in child-rearing requires control and measured justice while avoiding extremes.

Honor of parents is the basis for good government. The family provides the venue for someone to learn to make sacrifices and be part of a community.

Our children internalize our values; we teach largely by example. If we do not take seriously the responsibility for rearing our children, somebody else will.

We cannot turn the teaching of our children over to others, but instead must train and educate them to become productive citizens in the Kingdom of God.

The priest Eli is a tragic example of someone who began his tenure with energy, but coasted into complacency, eventually winking at flagrant sin in his sons.