Can parents be effective without using corporal punishment?

What has been termed "gentle parenting" has become a trend in the U.S. and European countries. For me personally, I was raised by two devout Southern Baptist Christians and they believed in corporal punishment. To be honest, I deserved the "whooping's" I got when I got them. I think it was the fear of that type pf punishment that prevented me from acting out worse. However, in this modern time corporal punishment has subsided more and more. The trend of "gentle parenting" has become prevalent, those that favor that style feel they are more effective communicating than handing out corporal punishment. As a father to a 10 year old daughter, her mother and I still believe personally in the corporal punishment. It is used with our daughter when we feel it is warranted. Just because we handle it that way doesn't necessarily mean it's the best way. It also may vary depending on the child. What do you think? Can parents be effective without using corporal punishment? Let us know below.