Agree with mich of this. However, we need to be honest (lovingly) with our children when they lie. Lying makes you a liar, and that's why we need Jesus. Saved people still commit sin, we are just more aware of it, ask forgiveness, and understand the saving power of Christ.
I agree threatening children is mostly ineffective and maybe wrong. Why is it ok for someone to threaten another with hell? Why would a god of love use this ultimate threat as his method? Is this not sorta like parenting with the threat of a torture chamber in the basement? Who thinks this is a healthy?
Zacharofky I can see where you are coming from. However you are missing some key information. If you'll take the time to, in a research fashion, start at the beginning of the Bible (I'd recommend the Message version as it is translated into modern vernacular) and continue through to the end, you'll see the bigger picture of who God really is, his character, and his plan for saving us from our own destructive choices. If He truly were a god like you described, I certainly wouldn't want anything to do with Him either. I wish you blessings on your search for truth. God is big enough to handle our big questions! You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Jer. 29:13