A Review of "God is Good All the Time"

A Critical Look at Stephen Kennedy’s Sermon on Psalm 111

Stephen Kennedy’s sermon on Psalm 111 begins on familiar ground — praising God’s works — but veers sharply off-course during a lengthy and troubling rant on parenting. What should have been an exposition of Scripture turns into an old-school lecture on fear-based discipline, laced with cultural frustration and questionable theology.

Fear as the Solution?

Kennedy laments the modern generation of children, repeatedly calling them "spoiled brats" and blaming permissive parenting. He insists that the remedy is fear. His statement is clear: “It’s good for children to fear the parents… if your children fear you enough you pull that thing out… they’re going to straighten up.” He goes so far as to joke about being arrested for disciplining kids and recommends a paddle, rod, or wooden spoon to instill fear, saying this is "how society works" — equating parental discipline to the fear citizens have of armed police officers.

This is not just hyperbole — Kennedy argues that fear itself, rather than love, grace, or patient instruction, is the foundational tool of godly parenting. The comparison to law enforcement carrying weapons suggests he views fear-based control, not relational influence, as the biblical model. He even mocks modern objections to spanking by dismissing concerns about abusive homes, implying that all resistance to this model comes from soft or rebellious hearts.

Confusing Biblical Fear with Worldly Terror

Kennedy repeatedly conflates the biblical "fear of the Lord" — which means reverence, awe, and humble respect — with mere terror. He claims children should fear parents like citizens fear police. But the Bible’s teaching on fear is far richer than this. 1 John 4:18 tells us that "perfect love casts out fear," and Paul reminds Timothy that God gives not "a spirit of fear but of power, love, and sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). Kennedy’s reduction of spiritual reverence to earthly intimidation distorts the gospel’s call to loving, transformative parenting.

Neglecting Parental Grace and Provoking Children

While Kennedy rails against “spoiled brats,” he conveniently omits key New Testament instructions to parents: "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath" (Ephesians 6:4) and "lest they be discouraged" (Colossians 3:21). His advice glorifies fear-driven obedience but ignores the Bible’s warning that such methods breed resentment, discouragement, and rebellion — not lasting spiritual fruit.

Legalism Disguised as Biblical Wisdom

Kennedy’s solution to household disorder is a simplistic formula: spank more, demand fear, and the home will be in order. But this is legalism, not Christian parenting. The gospel is about heart transformation, not behavior modification. Jesus criticized the Pharisees for their focus on outward control while ignoring inward change (Matthew 23:4). Kennedy’s heavy-handed approach belongs more to that tradition than to Christ’s teaching of patient, Spirit-led discipleship.

Conclusion

Kennedy’s desire for respect and order in homes and churches is understandable — but his method is carnal, not biblical. Christian parenting reflects God’s grace, patience, and loving correction — not threats and control. A fearful child may obey to avoid punishment but will struggle to understand the God of mercy and truth.

If parents follow Kennedy’s advice, they may get outward compliance — but they risk raising children who fear men more than they love God. This is not the gospel path of discipleship. It's spiritual malpractice dressed in the language of authority.