The Death Penalty *Cue dramatic music*?

Question

All right, now I will be honest about this beginning part. I grew up and was raised in a Christian conservative household - red-blooded Republicans all the way. I now am still a Christian (although I focus more on spirituality than religion, but I do attend church every week) but am an independent with more liberal tendencies. My question goes out to the rest of the conservative Christians...

How can conservatives, who pride themselves on being Christians, be pro-death penalty. Wasn't Jesus pretty forgiving? I mean, the whole cast-the-first-stone/dying-on-the-cross-for-our-redemption thing...didn't that show that he probably doesn't want a bunch of sinful humans deciding the fate of other sinners?

Just a curious question...

First off, I appreciate all the discussion that this is generating - and this was the sole reason that I posted this.

It's true - I've never had a mother or sister who were brutally raped or murdered, but I've never had a family member on death row - so I AM objective. Isn't that how politics are supposed to be? Isn't that why we don't allow a President who is personally involved to continue to serve?

I do believe that prisions are too lax in today's society. I don't want some murderer or child molestor to get cable. I think they should be forced to watch home movies of their victims 24/7. I don't believe that the government, who is obviously capable of error (as they are human) has the right to end a person's life.

I know it takes more tax dollars to keep a prisoner alive versus just injecting them with something - but since when did we put money above the value of a human life? And who gets to decide if it's worth it? Take away their liberties and stop killing them, I say!!

Answer 1

I've asked similar questions and received frightening responses. It seems that it is similar to the most conservatively religious president in the history of the USA also being the first to approve torture for prisoners of war.

Christianity does not imply even the most meager sense of moral reasoning. Most simply parrot rules they've heard from sermons and read on bumper stickers.

Moral reasoning suggests that if anyone (including the government) has the right to destroy human life in circumstances other than immediate self-defense, then anyone who feels so justified could find reason to kill someone else off. If taking human life is across the board an ethically banned practice (except in cases of immediate self-defense), then no one can justify choosing such a course of action.

Answer 2

YES. Eye for an eye. I'm sick of reading of all these repeat offenders still sitting in jail. Or the ones serving "multiple life sentences"...??? wtf?? There is a local case about a guy who lured a girl out of Wal-Mart, took her to the opposite side of town, raped her, and left her burnt body in an alley with a bag tied around her head. She was only 6 yrs old. He'd been given the death penalty, but because of some bs loop hole (or eff up) his appeal went thru. He was a repeat sex offender but because this was "the first time he murdered", he was given another chance. I hope he and the judge that granted that live happily ever after in hell. That little girl did not get a second chance.........neither should he. Sorry my opinion is so strong and I do feel for those that have been wrongly accused, but in cases such as this where there is hard evidence, there should be no question. Fry them! -------Edit------- Some say death is the easy way out, but if you think about it, if punishments were harsher it would make people think twice before commiting the crime. I don't mean to sound insensitve, but how is a person raped for 24 years? This person is an adult and can be independent away from this home since the age of 18 if it was never reported to the authorities. How does something like this go on for so long?? Did you mean 14 years maybe? ------Edit #2------- Ok I see, I knew there had to be some extreme circumstance. So I stick to my answer YES, this sicko does not deserve one more breath on this earth. But seeing as he's so old, he might not even live thru a trial....if there is one. My prayers to those poor children, what becomes of their lives now... uugghh makes me sick I work at a police department by the way, so I have zero tolerance for anyting involving the damaging of an innocent little life. And I just became a Mom, so moreso now.

Answer 3

i am somewhat torn on it honestly....i cant say i support the taking of human life, but there should be retribution for heinous crimes. Unfortunately we as humans wish to see the retribution at our own hands rather than having faith that god will judge and vengeance is his. Its a tough subject...but all in all i would have to say im against it...i do volunteer prison ministry as well and know that christ can change anyone.

Just a thought inspired by the above comment...there is a big difference between executing a criminal that has commited horrible deeds and killing a child that has not even had a chance yet...both are killing but there is a distinct difference

Answer 4

I am a Christian. I am a Conservation. I am against the death penalty. I am against abortion. I really am pro-life. I don't want to have that absolute power over another person, and nobody else should either. I believe in life in prison without parole to protect people.

Merry Christmas

Answer 5

My view on the death penalty is not founded in my religion. I support it because I am against child killers, and serial killers, who show themselves to be pure evil in their actions, living out a life in a ever increasing comfortable place, while victims have lost their lives, and families are shattered. I think its a good punishment, personally. Although I also believe in due and just trials.

Answer 6

Genesis 9:6 Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

A Principle Misunderstood - Answers to Gospel Questions, vol. 3 - Joseph Fielding Smith

p.104 There is a growing notion in the world today that it is adding a crime to a crime to take the life of those who deliberately murder---a cruel retaliation which cannot benefit the murdered person and likewise the murderer can reap no benefits therefrom. The real purpose which the Lord gave for the taking of life has long been forgotten. The taking of the life of the murderer was never intended to be a benefit to the murdered person or even a benefit to humanity. It was intended to be a benefit to the murderer himself. There are sins which cannot be forgiven, except by the guilty person paying a price by the shedding of his blood. Capital punishment was to benefit the guilty to obtain a better resurrection when the sin had been one unto death.

Capital punishment is the MERCIFUL thing for the MURDERER. God executes punishment because it is the merciful thing to do. (tough love). Noah - whole world flooded = if they had persisted in their wickedness = even more condemnation for them later.
*a key = life goes on after this life...and our choices here matter.

What if the wrong guy? Then you are not dealing with “punishment” or penalties. “That” issue lies in determining guilt or innocence ---if you have any doubts then don’t convict them! (innocent unless PROVEN guilty)
but Capital "Punishment" is about "punishment" not guilt or innocence.

Answer 7

i'm not a christian, and i'm not atheist, but i am pro death penalty and it isn't about forgiveness. the only people who have any right to forgive a criminal are their victims, and if the person is on death row their victims can't stand up for themselves. i always hear "what about a criminals rights?" well what about the rights they took away from their victims. commiting a heinous crime makes you lose your god given and federally appointed rights. these are people who have screwed up so badly and ruined so many lives they have forfeited their right to live.

by pointing a finger at christians and saying they aren't forgivin you are proving you don't understand what crime and law is about. it's not about punishment, it's about protecting the innocent, and some people are such a threat to society that they don't deserve to be around and destroy more lives

Answer 8

My response to any question on the death sentence it simple it all come down to this "Thou shalt not kill" It really don't matter what region you are they all follow the ten comment's beside if I go out and kill someone who gives the government the right to kill me is that not hypocritical only God has the right to take a human life.

Answer 9

I think you're missing the point. Arguments about abortion and the death penalty are not about life, they're about control, as in who gets to live and die and when. The reason neo-cons dislike abortion isn't about life; if they really cared about life they'd be working harder to make life better for everyone, not just the rich. They're upset because abortion is a decision made by the pregnant woman, without getting advice from a man. Capital punishment is just another exercise in control. It's a poor punishment and a poorer deterrent; it hasn't affected the murder rate much at all.

Answer 10

read the bible, in romans it says the government will rule with the sword. and forgiveness is more for you that the person who wronged you. if you dont forgive some one and you hold that in the hate and anger will eat at you and make you miserable, there for forgiving them gives you peace in your heart. just because you forgive a person does not mean they should not take their punishment