Who is to be the judge: God or mankind?

Question

Some of the answers to the linked question differentiate between killing a criminal and 'killing' an unborn 'baby'. But, where in the Bible does it say that man should, in some instances, take the (presumably) God-given life of anyone? I thought life was sacred, and God was the arbiter? What is so unsatisfactory, to many fundies, about life imprisonment? Why the thirst for blood? And why the double standard? What about the cases where it's been proven that innocent men have been put to death? And, again, I thought one's very life was held as sacred to Christians?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiMLcCF7HHkgaCReFTp0_O7d7BR.;_ylv=3?qid=20070914225703AAn2VU3

*blushes*

Thank you, Humbert :)

Answer 1

Hi, I see three separate things in your question:

1. I agree with you about the double-standard.

2. Life is not an ultimate good in Christianity - at least not in its traditional forms. There are things worth laying down one's life for, just as Jesus laid down his life.

3. Who judges? I think if you read Jesus' words closely, you'll find we're each judged by our own words - or our own conscience in other words.

Peace to you.

Answer 2

To answer your question about the Bible verse, it is Genesis 9:6
"Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man."

On the subject of abortion I neither condone nor oppose it, but since the wording of your two questions indicates that you support abortion and oppose the death penalty, why do you differentiate? A fetus is not a part of the mother, it is a separate, though dependent, being with its own DNA pattern and its own body.

On the subject of the death penalty, I prefer life imprisonment, since it gives more time for repentance and salvation.

Answer 3

The capital punishment is supported by the law made by man. Are all law makers Christian? I doubt and I don't have a problem with life imprisonment.

The bible teaches about forgiveness, however, human law does not tolerate offenses.

Where did you get the idea that we Christians thirst for blood? Your question is another pointless rant against Christians.

Answer 4

The Bible has diverse opinions about judgement depending upon whether you're reading the Old or New testament. The easiest way to answer your questions would be to read it for yourself as the book was intended to be used as an opportunity for you to find your individual relationship the Divine and to moral issues like judgement .

Answer 5

Christ aligned Himself with the condemned. Not with the innocent. This is a deeply held Truth that you must now memorize and allow to send roots into your being so that it stays there. Whose life was more sacred than His?

Answer 6

Killing criminals is a mere scare tactic used by governments to keep the angry, insane and unruly folks at bay. It doesn't seem to deter the offenders. It rather looks to me like another power play, much like the common practices of a couple of religions i can think of ... you know who you are.
The medieval times were overflowing with these type of power hungry, ridiculous, backward thinking church and government officials (just one tiny vague example from history).

Now, as far as the abortion thing goes, well, that has nothing to do with religion. That has more to do with the philosophy of human right to choose and the human obligation to take responsibility for one’s actions.

Answer 7

Very excellent question. You asked it far more eloquently than I did.

But I wonder if the Christians will give you an honest answer or evade it like they far too often do?

Answer 8

Have you ever read the Bible or do you just dream up such questions? Now so you thought well try reading things for yourself THEN ask a question. We ain't gon' do it all for ya!