The Myth of Good Christian Parenting: Rethinking Discipline, Fear, and Faith

EPISODE SUMMARY
In this episode of The Faith Roundtable, host Josh Burtram sits down with authors Marissa Franks-Burt and Dr. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis to explore their new book, The Myth of Good Christian Parenting. Drawing on historical research, sociological analysis, and interviews with families shaped by evangelical parenting culture since the 1970s, the authors unpack how a multibillion-dollar Christian parenting industry emerged — and how it has often harmed the very families it claimed to protect. They discuss the influence of figures like James Dobson, the rise of behavior-focused discipline formulas, the spiritualization of corporal punishment, and the long-term relational fallout many families now face. Most importantly, they point toward a more humane, Christ-shaped vision of parenting rooted in connection, wisdom, and freedom rather than fear. This episode will resonate with parents, adult children, pastors, therapists, and anyone reckoning with the legacy of “biblical parenting” in American Christianity.

Keywords: #Christian #parenting #evangelicalism #discipline #JamesDobson #corporalpunishment #familysystems #deconstruction #spiritualformation #religioustrauma #discipleship #childdevelopment #mythofgoodChristianparentingh
#democracy

👥 GUEST BIOS
Marissa Franks-Burt
Marissa Franks-Burt holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Columbia International University. She is a novelist, editor, teacher, and co-host of the At Home with the Lectionary podcast. Marissa lives in the Snoqualmie Valley of Washington with her husband, their six children, and a home full of books. Her work blends theological curiosity, historical insight, and a deep interest in how Christian formation shapes real family life.

Dr. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis
Kelsey Kramer McGinnis, PhD, is a musicologist, educator, and correspondent for Christianity Today. Her research and reporting frequently explore worship practices, evangelical culture, and the formation of Christian communities. She teaches as an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines and has previously worked with the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights. Kelsey brings rigorous scholarship and a compassionate lens to conversations about faith, family, and culture.

LINKS MENTIONED
Book – The Myth of Good Christian Parenting
Baker Book House (discount / pre-order):
https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/9...

Publisher page (Baker Publishing Group / Brazos Press):
https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/prod...

Amazon – Paperback:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1587436647

Amazon – Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DZJ3FV16

MARISSA FRANKS-BURT
Website:
https://www.marissaburt.com

Substack:
https://mburtwrites.substack.com

Instagram:
  / mburtwrites  

Podcast – At Home with the Lectionary:
https://athomewiththelectionary.buzzs...

KELSEY KRAMER MCGINNIS
Website:
https://www.kkramermcginnis.com

Substack:
https://kkramermcginnis.substack.com

Christianity Today author page:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/wri...

X (Twitter):
https://x.com/kkramermcginnis

Instagram:
  / kelseykmcginnis  

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Faith Roundtable Podcast
02:43 Exploring the Myth of Good Christian Parenting
06:15 The Market of Christian Parenting Advice
11:27 The Impact of Authoritarian Parenting
19:49 Navigating Parenting Challenges and Fears
28:04 The Stakes of Parenting: Fear and Faith
31:27 The Illusion of Control in Parenting
33:38 Debunking Harmful Myths of Christian Parenting
37:11 The Dangers of Corporal Punishment
40:40 Understanding the Use of Force in Parenting
45:00 Navigating Parent-Child Relationships Post-Discipline
57:30 Empowering Parents to Build Healthy Relationships