2006-10-02 16:49:25 · 18 answers · asked by Andy P 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
And for those of you literalists out there who play with the definitions of murder v. kill etc., please cite to the original language of the Bible making sure that those languages make the same linguistic distinctions that you do in English.
2006-10-02 16:53:27 · update #1
Because the bible says thou shalt not kill once or twice, then there's about a hundred or so passages where God incites his followers to kill those oppose Him or them.
2006-10-02 17:06:44 · answer #1 · answered by February Rain 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
It says "You shall not MURDER." Capital punishment is not murder, since murder is defined as the *unlawful* killing of another human being. And BTW, the Old Testament prescribes the death penalty for a hell of a lot more crimes than our criminal code does.
Unfortunately I don't have the ability to put Hebrew text in here. Get an interlinear Hebrew-English edition of the Old Testament if you're really interested, and a lexicon of Biblical Hebrew.
But this point doesn't need any of that: the SAME CODE which included the Decalogue included capital punishment for children who insult their parents. Do you really think the ancient Hebrews saw a contradiction? Of course not -- because there was none.
It's fine to be against capital punishment -- you just can't base that opinion on the Decalogue. You'd be on firmer ground basing it on the New Testament -- perhaps the story of the woman taken in adultery, from John's Gospel?
However, FWIW -- if anyone killed my children, I wouldn't wait for the state to execute the criminal -- I'd do it myself. The basic distinction is between executing the GUILTY and executing the INNOCENT. Is that a bunch of meaningless semantic games to you, you idiot?
2006-10-02 23:50:42 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 4⤋
This has always been a toughie for me. I am inclined to believe in capitol punishment. As you said , in the original language, it means thou shalt not murder. Otherwise even killing the mosquito that just bit be would be "killing". BUt as a Christian, I often wonder if executing a person, removes the chance that they could eventually become saved and that would be tragic. So I have to say, I'm not sure. Biblically, punishments were quick and just and related to the crime committed, I dont know if I like the idea of mankind living behind bars for the rest of their lives either. Seems like the death penalty is more swift and just sometimes.
2006-10-02 23:59:33 · answer #3 · answered by Coco 4 · 2⤊ 5⤋
there is a difference and distinction between murder and killing- there is a difference in attitude of the heart. What people don't seem to understand is that the attitudes and motivation of the heart are much more important (though they do affect) than the actual actions- the root cause of the action is what will be judged.
So saying that, I wonder how all of those that would like to allow murderous , psychotic criminals to live in our society- how on earth can you justify killing babies????
2006-10-02 23:58:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
Where in the New Testament does it say : Kill, Murder?
What does it mean? Kill what? Who?
Now. Bible scholar man. Lets me and YOU play...
You keep your opinion too yourself. We'll use Scriptural facts. If you can't do this...The Game is over.
.
2006-10-03 00:20:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
That is a governmental responsiblity and Romans 13; 4 states that the superior authorities are the ones to avenge wrath upon the wicked. Christians on the other hand should be neutral in worldly affairs as stated by Jesus at John 17; 14 about being no part of the world.
2006-10-02 23:57:57 · answer #6 · answered by jaguarboy 4 · 0⤊ 5⤋
1. who says the Bible says that you shouldn't kill?
2. You may be confusing God's commands to individuals with the authority of the Government. The authorities do not carry the sword for nothing.
2006-10-03 00:12:51 · answer #7 · answered by eric.s 3 · 5⤊ 2⤋
I am a Christian, and I can say that I do not support the death penalty. I think it is logically inconsistent to be pro-life and also pro-death penalty.
I know the classic argument is that an aborted pre-born child is innocent, while a murderer is not, but I would say 2 things to that.
First of all, if we are to be people of grace, then we should seek not to shorten a murderer's life in the hopes that they come to know salvation....Jesus can forgive anything.
Second of all, we are no longer under the law, but under grace. "An eye for an eye" is in reference to the law, and I would say that was replaced by "do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
What I find ironic is that Christ allowed himself to be put to death for the penalty of our sins, which we should find regretable; we put him there. I would think that would put a sour taste in Christian's mouths for the death penalty right there.
I'm not sure, but I think you attempted to say in your question that Christ supported the death penalty. He did not. This is the same person who kept a harlot from being stoned by saying "he who is without sin cast the first stone". There is nothing in scripture that even remotely suggests he would be for the death penalty.
2006-10-02 23:59:17 · answer #8 · answered by You'll Never Outfox the Fox 5 · 2⤊ 5⤋
The bible doesn't say that. It says not to commit murder. There's a big difference.
2006-10-02 23:52:57 · answer #9 · answered by halffadan 1 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Well christians are no part of the world so no there not suppose to the same thing with war. Jesus said you will know his people by love. Killing other folks would not be love.
2006-10-02 23:59:25 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋