Why are some Christians pro-death penalty?

Question

What would be Jesus's opinion on the matter?

There is this great story in the Bible about this innocent dude who never did anything wrong, but pissed off TPTB and got executed. Think hard.

Sweet **** cupcakes! Whatever happened to forgiveness?

Also, if the government makes a mistake there is no way to undo it.

Answer 1

Jesus wouldn't murder to get back at a murderer.
So I have no idea.

Answer 2

A couple of people who answered your question are mistaken about facts. This issue is too important to decide without knowing these facts. Apart from the views that people bring to this issue from their religious teachings, a good question is whether the death penalty is an effective way of keeping us safe, or, does it hurt us more than it helps us.

Re: Deterrence. (One of your answers is wrong)
The death penalty is not a deterrent. Murder rates are actually higher in states with the death penalty than in states without it. Moreover, people who kill or commit other serious crimes do not think they will be caught (if they think at all.)


Re: Possibility of executing an innocent person and speed
Over 120 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence, many after serving over a decade on death row. If we speed up the process we are bound to execute an innocent person.

Re: Alternatives
48 states have life without parole on the books. Life without parole means what it says and is no picnic.

Re: Who gets the death penalty
The death penalty is not reserved for the “worst of the worst,” but rather for defendants with the worst lawyers. When is the last time a wealthy person was sentenced to death, let alone executed??

Re: Victims families
People should know that the death penalty is very hard on victims’ families. They must relive their ordeal in the courts and the media. Life without parole is sure, swift and rarely appealed. Some victims families who support the death penalty in principal prefer life without parole because of how the death penalty affects families like theirs.

Last of all, opposing the death penalty does not mean a person condones brutal crimes or excuses the people who commit them. The "eye for an eye" response is wrong. People should make up their minds using common sense based on verifiable facts, and not revenge.

Answer 3

In a society civilization that required strict order for its survival deterants were instituted. However Modern civilized socitety because we have become more civilized and we live Under the Grace of our Creator we have become more compassionate. so Even murderers would be treated humanly. So Basically the capital punishment is not really required in a society of love and compassion.
As far as the USA is concerned the society still adheres to capital punishment to serve as a detereant to Crime.
The Problem is that its not really working. It is easier to illiminate the cause of murder than to illiminate the murderer..
Presently i believe 68% of convicted inmate have shown to be innocent and did not commit the crime. So basically too many flaws in the system and too many victims are excecuted for nothing and dying for nothing.
As Far as Jesus statement ; He said give unto Cesar what belongs to Cesar= that means we are stuck under a Goverment of the country we live in. Nevertheless we would not violate the Sovereignty of our Creator and that is to do his Will.
And Those who believe in Jesus spread love and compassion and not hate.

Answer 4

It depends on the death penalty and what the case is. I am against it because I am pro life and I believe in Prison fellowship however, if they can't get helped and they are a very bad mass murder like Saddam was then yes I'll accept it. However, I'll let the family and country decide on that.

Answer 5

Jesus would recognize that there are Earthly consequences for what people do.

Jesus never jumped on the NO CRUCIFICTION band wagon did he? Or the no hanging? Or even the No Stoning? He did teach us to forgive others as we have bee forgiven. But Just because I forgive someone for murdering my parents doesn't mean that they will not expereince earthly consequences for what they did.

Answer 6

Because they have been failed by their leaders, who have perverted His teachings. Jesus recognized the unnecessary barbarism of "an eye for an eye" and instead taught us to turn the other cheek. Jesus was never pro-violence in any way, shape or form.

For any who disagree - look into your heart. All politics aside, do you truly believe Jesus could have possibly encouraged ANY form of murder, state-sanctioned or otherwise?

Answer 7

Jesus Himself was put to death by the death penalty. He didn't speak out against it. In fact, the Old Testament is loaded with God's laws requiring the death penalty.

Answer 8

um throughout the entire old testament, many punishments were the death penalty.

i may not be christian but i agree with the death penalty. i blame the nations lack of justice system for the way society is today. we do absolutely nothing to child molesters and rapists. slap them on the wrist and let them go to reoffend again. and we just keep doing it. we give them free room and and 3 meals a day. if your homeless what better way to get yourself a place to stay and free food then to go commit crimes huh?

those of you who dont believe in it obviously have no heart. u want all the rapists and child molesters to go free. sad thing it is, to see so much of society rather "forgive" then to punish.

Answer 9

Jesus would probably be against the death penalty.

Although, as practical matter criminals who commit 'true acts' of violence or immorality against society should be separated from society, not necessarily as punishment to the criminal, but to protect the other members of society.

Answer 10

Because they ignore the New Testament, and go by the Old. Hello, salvation! Why do people forget?

Answer 11

Because they say one thing and practise another,Jesus saved a Woman from being stoned to death so what do they say about this?