Book excerpt: This book examines corporal punishment in United States public schools. The practice—which is still legal in nineteen states—affects approximately a quarter million children each year. Justification for the use of physical punishment is often based on religious texts. Rather than simply disregarding the importance of religious commitment, this volume presents an alternative faith-based response. The book suggests the “hermeneutical triad,” of sacred text, tradition, and reason as an acceptable approach for those seeking to be faithful to religious text and tradition.