What is the CHRISTIAN position regarding capital punishment (the death penalty)?

Question

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Does the admonition to turn the other cheek play a role in determining this stance?

If not, why not?

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Answer 1

against it

Answer 2

It is predictable and entirely appropriate that individuals have strong emotional reactions to horrific crimes. However, a civilized society (and a political system) would be expected to take action based on more utilitarian considerations. It comes down to learning about the way the capital punishment system actually functions. 124 people on death rows have been released with proof that they were wrongfully convicted. DNA is available in less than 10% of all homicides and isn’t a guarantee we won’t execute innocent people. The death penalty doesn't prevent others from committing murder. No reputable study shows the death penalty to be a deterrent. To be a deterrent a punishment must be sure and swift. The death penalty is neither. Homicide rates are higher in states and regions that have it than in states that don’t. We have a good alternative. Life without parole is now on the books in 48 states. It means what it says. It is sure and swift and rarely appealed. Life without parole is less expensive than the death penalty. The death penalty costs much more than life in prison, mostly because of the legal process which is supposed to prevent executions of innocent people. The death penalty isn't reserved for the worst crimes, but for defendants with the worst lawyers. It doesn't apply to people with money. When is the last time a wealthy person was on death row, let alone executed? The death penalty doesn't necessarily help families of murder victims. Murder victim family members across the country argue that the drawn-out death penalty process is painful for them and that life without parole is an appropriate alternative. Problems with speeding up the process. Over 50 of the innocent people released from death row had already served over a decade. If the process is speeded up we are sure to execute an innocent person.

Answer 3

personally me being a christian i believe that i may be against it more because i believe that a person should live out the punishment. death sentences does not allow this to run its course. i know when ive done wrong i ponder,think about it,and most times become remorsful or convicted by the holy spirit. on the other hand GOD places authority and law into human hands he allowed jesus to be crucified. iknow it was under different cicumstances but he did allow it. this is a very interesting and complex question. the commandments states that thou shall not take another humans life.

Answer 4

God has given the government the authority to determine when capital punishment is due (Genesis 9:6; Romans 13:1-7). It is unbiblical to claim that God opposes the death penalty in all instances. Christians should never rejoice when the death penalty is employed, but at the same time, Christians should not fight against the government’s right to execute the perpetrators of the most evil of crimes.

Answer 5

Capital punishment isn't really a "Christian" argument. The Bible teaches Christians to be subject to their governments, not to establish theocracies to wield the law.

Personally, however, as a Christian I find capital punishment weak in comparison with other forms or punishment. In addition, without perfect knowledge of the events of the crime that lead to a conviction, how can man justifiably sentence another to die?

Answer 6

Good question. In my opinion, there is a difference between a murderous killing and death via capital punishment being administered for a crime. It existed in Jesus' day for alot lesser crimes than commiting murder. It's not a nice thing to think about, but given the fact that the Bible references 'a hell' exists as punishment, God well may condone capital punishment for murder too.

Answer 7

I am catholic and I oppose the death penalty. I believe a life sentance to hard labor is would be a better deterrent. Like plink plinking on a huge rock all day.

Answer 8

"render unto Caesar" basically asks Christians to stay out of politics; most other statements of Christ point against capital punishment. sadly, the first time any significant Christian denomination came out against death penalty was over 1800 years after the Crucifiction...

Answer 9

I don't think you'll find any agreement on this topic. It still boils down to a personal preference. The state will always have the final decision on laws. Christians are to abide by those laws.

Answer 10

There is no offical "Christian Position" because we are not a political party, however, most tend to support it, usually on the basis that God commanded its use for certian crimes for the Jews.

Answer 11

The Bible teaches that if a person murders they are to be killed.

Genesis 9:5-6 And surely your blood of your lives will I require; at the hand of every beast will I require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother will I require the life of man. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

Later on in the New Testament we are told government has the right to give out capital punishment.

Romans 13:3-4 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.