text: I don't believe I advocated for punishment.  Stern discipline, maybe, but not punishment. 
  
  We are taught to "go and teach all nations".  We as Christians are taught that truth and enlightenment free us from our sinful ways.  The Church was given authority to teach(infallibly) from Jesus.  Being taught what we are doing wrong and how to correct it is not punishment, it is more in line with admonishing the sinner and is actually a work of mercy. Yes, we have the natural inclination to act defensively and it may hurt our egos but it is not punishment. 
  
  For instance, enforcing the rule "no running by the pool" can be seen as too stern and punishes children who wish to run about.  Or, it can be seen as enlightening the child of his dangerous behavior and frees them from their risk of harm. 
  
  Not allowing divorced and remarried people to receive communion is not "punishing" them, it is enforcing a rule of the Church designed to keep us from sinful behavior.