Josh wrote:
What did Jesus have to say about parenting and child rearing?
"But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." - Mark 10:14
But this doesn't relate to parenting...
However we see the Messiah coming as a baby and being subject to a poor human family. Could one say that he spent some time in discipleship before His ministry? Growing in wisdom and stature with men...
That eventually lead to a full relationship with the Father and the Son and the Spirit at His baptism where,
"And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." - Matthew 3:17
We see Christ calling those that do his Fathers will his mother and brethren.
We see that Christians are adopted into the "family" of God.
We see a care for all souls with Christ, and especially see discipleship and training with those close to Him.
We see a Father and "child" or Son having a relationship.
"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..." - John 1:12
It is great to be a "kingdom Christian" but we need to see that this nation of kingdom Christian's is comprised of brothers and sisters in Christ or sons and daughters of God, making up a close knit family "faithfully stitched together."
If this is who we are then that love and desire for the good of all others through Him will spill into the lives of those in close proximity to us, even our children. Christians love and love family!
To forsake and neglect young children
literally by choice because we are going to follow Christ would rather be dropping of our responsibility and would conflict with His character and principles... Rather following Christ comes first and through serving Him we will care for those that
He has giving us the responsibility over.
Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 18:10
When they are old enough and God forbid choose to go the wrong way I can understand that they are certainly outside the family of God. (Not to imply they are Christians because they are raised that way at all.)
We are all called to different responsibilities. Parenting is not more important than a single, widowed, divorced or other persons role within the body, just different. And so when we accept our role and the role of others; each one compliments one another, and makes for a beautiful church as He intended.