Faith

Is Supporting the Death Penalty ‘Christian?’

Is the Death Penalty Christian?When it comes to capital punishment (commonly referred to as the death penalty), there’s often a great deal of debate surrounding morality and ethics.

The intriguing opinions that characterize the discussion become even more complicated when exploring how Christianity’s tenets can be employed to either support or debunk the legal practice. That being said, where does the nation stand on the whole?

In 2010, Gallup found that the majority (64 percent) of Americans support the death penalty for a person convicted of murder. Based on these polling numbers, only 29 percent oppose it. Since the 1930s, the issue has had some interesting graphical patterns, trending up, down, up, and then down again:

Is the Death Penalty Christian?

Additionally, 49 percent of Americans do not believe that the death penalty is imposed enough. And, when asked which option — capital punishment or life imprisonment with no possibility of parole — is better suited as a punishment for murder, 49 percent opt for the former, with 46 percent choosing the latter.

Needless to say, the majority of contemporary Americans support the death penalty, regardless of how the question is asked or framed. Now that we understand how public perceptions play out, one might wonder: How does faith impact personal opinions about the death penalty?

When considering the Christian interpretation of capital punishment, both supporters and opponents claim that the Bible corroborates their views. Of course, on the surface, there are elements present in the Bible that, taken independently, would backup both sides of the debate. But to start exploring where the faith community stands on this issue, let’s look at some 2004 data from Gallup:

Americans who attend religious services on a regular basis are slightly less likely to support the death penalty than those who attend less frequently. Although a majority of frequent and infrequent churchgoers support the death penalty, the data show that 65% of those who attend services weekly or nearly weekly favor capital punishment, compared with 69% of those who attend services monthly and 71% of those who seldom or never attend.

Is the Death Penalty Christian?

Gallup continues:

Protestants are somewhat more likely to endorse capital punishment than are Catholics and far more likely than those with no religious preference. More than 7 in 10 Protestants (71%) support the death penalty, while 66% of Catholics support it. Fifty-seven percent of those with no religious preference favor the death penalty for murder.

This in mind, among Protestants and Catholics, an intriguing trend emerges. The less often these individuals attend church, the more likely they are to support the death penalty. Opponents of capital punishment could seize upon this information to claim that, among Christians, church (and thus more Biblical teaching) tends to lower acceptance of the death penalty.

But majorities in both Christian categories still support the legal practice, regardless. And, there’s the unavoidable truth that people with no religion are less likely to support capital punishment than their Christian counterparts.

Is the Death Penalty Christian?Liberal Christians like Rev. Jim Wallis have written to denounce the death penalty. On Wallis’ Sojourners web site, the organization says, “All life is a sacred gift from God, and public policies should reflect a consistent ethic of life.” The text continues:

A consistent ethic demands that our nation end capital punishment. We should not take life to punish wrongful death. There is no evidence that it deters murder. It is easy to make fatal mistakes, as DNA testing has shown. The death penalty is biased against the poor, who cannot afford adequate legal representation, and is racially disproportionate.

People like Wallis tend to believe that only God can decide when it’s time to take lives away (although Wallis also sees systematic issues which he decries). As About.com’s Tom Head writes:

The authors of the New Testament lived under Roman occupation and had no means by which to impose the death penalty, so it is difficult to know what their views on the matter would have been.

Head continues by explaining Jesus’ denunciations of violence in the Gospels. He makes it a point to note John 8:3-11, which shows Jesus stepping in to stop a would-be instance of capital punishment. Below, read this section of John for yourself:

3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

On the flip side, others contend that the Bible does, indeed, support the death penalty. In the book “City of God,” St. Augustine, the famed 5th century bishop considered a giant of the Christian faith, wrote the following:

The same divine law which forbids the killing of a human being allows certain exceptions, as when God authorizes killing by a general law or when He gives an explicit commission to an individual for a limited time.

Since the agent of authority is but a sword in the hand, and is not responsible for the killing, it is in no way contrary to the commandment, “Thou shalt not kill” to wage war at God’s bidding, or for the representatives of the State’s authority to put criminals to death, according to law or the rule of rational justice.

Further corroboration can be found in the Old Testament, where Genesis 9:6 reads, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” BBC further explains the history of the death penalty in the Christian church:

For much of history, the Christian Churches accepted that capital punishment was a necessary part of the mechanisms of society.

Pope Innocent III, for example, put forward the proposition: “The secular power can, without mortal sin, exercise judgment of blood, provided that it punishes with justice, not out of hatred, with prudence, not precipitation.”

The Roman Catechism, issued in 1566, stated that the power of life and death had been entrusted by God to the civil authorities. The use of this power did not embody the act of murder, but rather a supreme obedience to God’s commandments.

Of course, this issue is a complicated one. Exploring the faith-based breakdowns seems to expose an intriguing dynamic. Most Christians do, based on polling data, support the death penalty. That being said, there are some believers who claim that the Bible does not support capital punishment. While the majority of Americans — and Christians — agree with this legal option, the jury may still be out and opinions could certainly change.

What do you think? Take our poll and let us know your stance:

Comments (440)

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  • Seede
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:47pm

    COOKCOUNTY has a good point.
    If a Christian joins the military and is taught to kill and does so thinking that this is God’s work, then is it any different than killing a murderer right here at home? That is a good point because the military is now volunteer and not a conscription. Kind of changes things doesn’t it?

     
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:14pm

      By the way I was a soldier a 19D cavalry scout who was deployed from the middle east to the tribal mountains on afghanistan. I once asked a priest and he told me that since God has allowed these people to govern us by his will that we should not overly worry about actions taken in service to the country. as long as one is not enjoying themselves or taking pleasure in atrocities. I tend to agree with the good father who gave me those words of wisdom.

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:19pm

      Old Billy Hallowell sure likes these controversial Christian articles, doesn’t he?

      The death penalty is scriptural but then again so is forgiveness. I think it has its place but is overused and we need to be 100% certain the punishment fits the crime and that we have the guilty party beyond any doubt.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:29pm

      More people have died at the hands of Religious groups than any other group. The death penalty has and will always be a Religious thing first and a Government thing second. After all, we have a Priest to comfort a condemned man but never a Government employee comfort a condemned Priest.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:38pm

      oops,

      the-monk, you left your crack pipe lying in the post box…

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:45pm

      @trolltrainer
      Sorry I left out the word, “to” where it was needed. I hope that doesn’t qualify me for the crack pipe award of the year. Troll Trainer… it takes one to train one… so what does that make you?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:52pm

      You calling me a troll?

      That’s cool I guess, I have trolled frequently. At least I am rational.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:06pm

      @trolltrainer
      Rational? That word comes from the root “ration” and that’s what you might be doing when things get really bad. Hope you have some food stored up… Troglodyte.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:17pm

      Dude, those drugs have totally rotted your brain! Try and stay focused here, what are you rambling about now? Rations? I have a good supply of food and ammo, but what has that got to do with your idiotic statement that, “more people have died at the hands of religious groups than any other group.” That has to be the stupidest thing I have read all day! It is so totally baseless and illogical it really deserves no comment. Then you say, “The death penalty has and will always be a religious thing first and a government thing second.” Never mind your constant inappropriate use of capital letters, this is such an irrational statement it makes your first sentence look intelligent! But you saved the best for last, you write, “after all, we have a priest to comfort a condemned man but never a government employee comfort a condemned priest.” You are crazy for coco-puffs, aren’t you?

      Take another hit, or another drink or whatever it is that your killing brain cells with.

      Report Post »  
    • Lone Ranger
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:43pm

      Gotta love these libs. They invoke God to save the lives of murderers, but they say a woman has the right to kill her unborn baby. How deeply twisted is that?

      Report Post » Lone Ranger  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:46pm

      @trolltrainer
      Just wanted to push your buttons to see what you really had to say. You were a bit timid earlier. I’m glad you noticed my, “constant inappropriate use of capital letters”. If you bother look it up more people have died in the name of religious wars than all other wars combined.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:49pm

      @Lone Ranger
      Exactly right….

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:51pm

      I support the death penalty as it is. A states right. Obama hasn’t taken that one away yet.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • LOLReally
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:49pm

      troll trainer what kinda crack you smokin? I actually laughed when I read what you said about monk’s comment. Are you really that blind to the obvious truth or are you just lying? It is true that more people have died throughout history due to religon ( any kind ) than any other cause for murder. You have lead crusades many times, beheaded, burned or just plain tourtured thousands to death. Even all the terrorism today is the current method chosen by the craziest amongst you. It has held back man for thousands of years in mental evolution, and you are another example of such sluggishness.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:53pm

      @trolltrainer
      “Take another hit, or another drink or whatever it is that your killing brain cells with”.
      OK, I‘ll stop watching Lawrence O’Donnell, Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews and Ed Schultz.
      Got any suggestions oh Troll (excuse my caps) one?

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Harring Dean
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:56pm

      The article that presented Jesus not condemning the woman found in adultery has nothing to do with murder, a person killing someone. God instituted the putting to death a person who kills another following the flood. He instructed Noah that a man that sheds the blood of another shall pay with his own blood. This was capitol punishment. As far as I know this has never been made void. When Jesus forgave the woman, it was not for murder. In the New Testament we are told, that there is a sin unto death, for this we are not to pray for. It is sad to see anyone put to death, but if we are going to use the Bible to present an argument against it, then let’s look at what the Bible says and not quote it out of context as the pastor did by using the woman found in adultery and Jesus forgiving her. That dog won;t hunt.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:57pm

      @LOLReally
      Thanks for the backup. For a moment there I thought I was all alone. Not helpless… just alone.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:58pm

      @ LOLREALLY and THE-MONK
      I have to agree with you — in light of the fact that Marxism (and its offspring, Fascism and National Socialism) are effectively “religions”.

      Report Post »  
    • Pontiac
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:00am

      Its “Thou Shalt Not Murder”. FFS “Christians” should know this by now…

      Report Post » Pontiac  
    • pgc1
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:12am

      This is why this country is sooo @#$%^@ up!People talk when the don’t know their @$$ from a hole in the ground!Killing in the armed forces is totally different from murder.Covert activity is allowed by God.Murder is not>When the Bible says “thou shall do no murder”if you took the time to look up the word murder in the original language in the manuscripts which it was written “Greek”the word murder is,phoneus:intentional homicide,to lie in wait.That is not the same as killing to protect your freedoms and family.God also says to send rapists,child molesters,murderers to him as a deterrent to those things happening around you.But, what do we do,they serve a few years and then we let them go on society again and people can’t understand why these things happen?Because we allow it,NOT GOD! If people followed the laws of God which by the way are the laws our country was founded on America would not be in the shape it is in. Just like the Bible says we are the nation of nations and we can lend as much as we want to but NEVER BORROW.Look at the shape our country is in and from what BORROWING.Hello! wake up people!

      Report Post »  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:23am

      The death penalty is a deterrent that discourages or should discourage someone from some capitol crime or act.

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:30am

      @Ghost of Elvis…I know what you mean. Somtimes I really mess up on here just from being tired. I am glad that you got removed from your situation. I cannot imagine living where you did. We don’t have that problem yet and I hope and pray that we never do, and I am certainly not afraid of calling a spade a spade either. I do fear that most don’t undrstand the direness of the situation…but it wil all come to a culmination. There is a ex -PLO terrorist named Wallid Shoebat who was converted to Christianity because his wife was, and in reading her bible to debate her, the Holy Spirit got a hold of him. He is a commentator in http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMLJJEDDDGc
      I do believe that there are definitely some who need to be put to death. The threat of them is just too much to risk their ever escaping or even allowing them to live after such autrocities. Each situation is different, but I definitely think that there should be that option. . Good luck Elvis. May God Bless you and yours.

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:08am

      @banjarmon
      True, unless the person wants to be punished for his crimes and seeks death or incarceration.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • paperpushermj
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:18am

      @seede
      I can’t believe I need to say this but the Commandment is… Thou shalt Not MURDER. Being in the military places you in a situation where you are going head to head with Enemy Combatants. If you pop a cap on an unarmed Combatant or civilian that is Murder and you will be charged with such.

      Report Post » paperpushermj  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:49am

      It should not merely be a fair penalty for murder, but for rape, especially raping a child.

      Can’t do the time, don’t do the crime. A crime against SOCIETY isn’t regulated by Biblical standards, or denominational doctrine, but by the right LIBERTY afforded through the Republic principles. Blood will be required for taking a life, as it should be.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:02am

      Is Supporting the Death Penalty ‘Christian?’ — Yes.
      Matthew 5:17 – 21. The Greek word kill means premeditated murder.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:18am

      @The10thAmendment
      “It should not merely be a fair penalty for murder, but for rape, especially raping a child.”
      According to The Law, rape is also a death penalty crime.

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • notatoomah
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:27am

      The death penalty is not used enough, and death row inmates spend too long alive after their convictions.
      Everybody knows that alcohol and drugs impair you driving ability. We all also know there are lots of deaths every year from drunk driving. If you know that driving while impaired may cause a death, then you do it anyway, and you kill somebody, then you have committed pre-meditated murder. You drank or shot up or smoked or snorted, you drove, and you killed. Even if you don’t kill anyone, you should be charged with attempted murder.
      PS, all of you liberals who have studied the Bible, but still don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, stop wasting your time throwing out Bible verses that ‘support’ your opinions. If you don‘t know the God that wrote what you’re reading, how can you hope to understand it? I’ll answer for you, you can’t.
      Yes, you’re liberal if you think you can make it through the day without Jesus. You’re a liberal if you think you can do anything good on your own. Good in the eyes of man yes, but even when we give all we have to something, the best we can do is as filthy rags.
      You don’t seek out God, He seeks you. All you have to do is start listening to Him calling you.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:42am

      Gee guys,

      You are just going to have to prove to me that religion has killed more people than anything else. I simply disagree. But let’s define things first, I would not argue that religious people have done more killing…because until recently EVERYONE was religious in one way or another. I am arguing that it is not true that more people have died in the name of God or gods.

      Just take the Civil war, WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam alone. None of these wars had anything to do with religion and probably accounted for more lives than any previous conflicts put together. Then add in the millions of Jews killed by Hitler. Jews believe in God, but did Hitler gas them in the name of God? How about the millions killed by Stalin?

      To further the argument, even in what you would call “holy wars” such as the crusades and the 100 years war, what was the war REALLY over? Was it to force people into worshiping one particular way? Or was it over control of people and land?

      See, here is the deal. Atheists make silly, blanket statements such as, “religion has killed more people than any other cause in history.” They do this to try to show how evil religion is. But is is shortsighted because it is man that is evil. even the inquisition was not about God, it was about forcing the population into Catholicism so they could be taxed and controlled. Evil? Sure it was. God had nothing to do with it though.

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:00am

      The doctrine of my church supports the death penalty and the just war concept as the last resort. Individual members of the church may have different views and still be considered full members of the church.

      I chose to morally support the death penalty as the last resort to protect society from the offender.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • Big Book Harry
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:32am

      The Old testament said “if man shed bllood by man’s blood shall it be shed. this is the old covenent.
      Jesus provided the new covenent and nowhere did Jesus advocate one human killing another for any reason. Man is a social creature(hence God’s desire to engage in a personal relationship with us) therefore absolute solitary confinement with no external stimulation and minimal nourishment required for life support would be the same as death.

      Report Post »  
    • TEIN
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:24am

      The-Monk “More people have died at the hands of Religious groups than any other group”
      I think that is highly speculative and not provable…I know the far reaching rational and to me thin ties that certain historians link religion to wars, but Mao starving millions, Stalin starving millions, Hitler killing millions, Roman did not take over a continent as a religious group, and the British Empire claimed God on their side, but that once again was not a religious endeavor. Just not buying your premise.

      Report Post »  
    • StonyBurk
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:30am

      The Bible– the bedrock upon which Christianity is now rested.Would clarify any confusion. In the Old Testament ,especially, the only group granted authority to take a life is the State. As true in the deployment for War– as of the capitol judgement against those who violated Gods Law. In the New Testament Jesus of Nazareth taught “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law but to fulfill.He did not come to bring Peace-but division. And Not one jot,nor tittle of the Law would pass –until all had been accomplished. The Jews were at that time under Pax Romana(Roman Law by right to conquest)
      Only Rome could administer the Capitol sentence(i.e.death either on a Roman Cross or by by other means) Was the Roman system any more Fair-than any seen today? I don’t see it. And only the Empire could deploy an army to War. The problem with a lot of people is they misunderstand the bad translation of the Ten Commandments in most modern Bibles. The commandment in Hebrew does not translate to Thou shalt not kill– but more apt is translation Thou shalt do no murder.Is capitol punishment murder? Not unless the State premeditates the murder of a man known to be innocent. The State remains as in the Bible– the agent authorized to commit to war. IF we were to restore a more Bible based system. and again allow the State to end the life of those found guilty of murder– I think we would be a better/more moral nation.

      Report Post »  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:54am

      “More people have died at the hands of Religious groups than any other group.”

      Oooooooookayyyyyyyyy…

      “Scholars believe that Mao in some way was involved in the death of at least 40 million people and possibly as many as 80 million, more deaths during peace time than any other leader.”

      http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=1081&catid=2&subcatid=6

      “In the original version of his book The Great Terror, Robert Conquest gave the following estimates of those arrested, executed, and incarcerated during the height of the Purge:

      Arrests, 1937-1938 – about 7 million
      Executed – about 1 million
      Died in camps – about 2 million
      In prison, late 1938 – about 1 million
      In camps, late 1938 – about 8 million”

      http://gendercide.org/case_stalin.html

      Crusades:

      “Robertson, John M., A Short History of Christianity (1902) p.278: 9,000,000 ” (highest estimation)

      http://www.necrometrics.com/pre1700a.htm

      Are atheists considered a “religious group”? They should be.

      Report Post » Darren  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:55am

      And the Crusades was over a 200 year period.

      Report Post » Darren  
    • imreddog
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 11:19am

      This should answer the question.
      Gen 9:6
      6 Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.

      Report Post »  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:19pm

      My first post didn’t get published. I’ll break it up into three parts:

      Part 1:

      “Scholars believe that Mao in some way was involved in the death of at least 40 million people and possibly as many as 80 million, more deaths during peace time than any other leader. Most of them perished during the Great Famine in the late 1950s, which followed the Great Leap Forward. Millions more may have died in the Cultural Revolution. In comparison, Hitler was responsible for 12 million concentration camps deaths and Stalin killed between 30 and 40 million during the purges and famines of the 1920s and 30s. ”

      http://factsanddetails.com/china.php?itemid=1081&catid=2&subcatid=6

      Report Post » Darren  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:21pm

      Ah, there’s my original post. :>) Now I no longer need to repost them! all can read my brilliance. ;>)

      Report Post » Darren  
    • TombstoneJim
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:23pm

      Amen…’nuff said, well put

      Report Post » TombstoneJim  
    • proliance
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:41pm

      Real conservatives don’t trust the government any farther than they can throw it. But you trust the government to punish its own citizens by killing them?

      How many innocent people have the various states and federal government killed by mistake? Even one is inexcusable. And an innocent person on death row for 10 years who is released after new evidence is discovered has had his life ruined. He’ll never be the same. Abolish the death penalty.

      Killing a human in wartime or in the defense of one’s self or loved one is excusable. But don’t let the govt. tell you who should live or die.

      Report Post » proliance  
    • OneofMany
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 4:30pm

      @trolltrainer:

      Yes the bible teaches forgiveness… but forgiveness is for the individuals to do, Societal speaking, even though you forgive the murderer and wish the he accepts Jesus’ sacrifice for his sins, he must still be accountable to the laws of society. That is how order is kept.

      To those who argue that death penalty is not a deterrent, I call BS… look at the murder rates in Saudi, or any other totally Islam country (I do not advocate Islam at all) but their murder rates and stealing crimes are minimal…because the deterrent ant is REAL.

      Report Post » OneofMany  
    • No1uknow
      Posted on September 1, 2011 at 1:46am

      It boggles my mind that everyone enters all their little comments, but as Jesus said,“have you read it”?
      If you know how to read, The Bible cannot be interrperted different ways. Murder is to Lie In Wait. This has nothing to do with war, defending yourself, it is to lie in wait, you know “The hillside strangler” A Killer??. God says to send murderers and rapists to Him. We were taught to read, subject, object etc. Not just a sentence out of some paragraph here and there. The Bible is a letter to us, from God, with simple directions how to live, examples of what to do and not do. Don’t overthink it, READ IT” Please,
      Thank you

      Report Post »  
    • pazzo242
      Posted on September 1, 2011 at 3:45am

      There is a huge difference between the military actively looking for a person who is bent on killing and a person who is incarcerated, gone through a trial, then placed in a max security prison for their crimes and then sent to the gallows.

      Anyone can justifiably take the life of a suspect who is actively attempting to commit a violent crime—doesn’t even have to up to a homicide. But once a suspect is apprehended no one has the right to kill that person and the suspect has to stand trial. The suspect is no longer considered a threat to society.

      Military do exactly that. They neutralize the threat and cannot kill, willy-nilly, when the enemy surrenders. So I think you took a huge leap comparing the death penalty to the military.

      The death penalty is archaic and needs abolishment. On the other hand we need to place these villains in 2×4 cells, lock it up and be done with them. The 6th Commandment is clear—Thou Shall Not Kill. It doesn’t say it’s OK to kill after a trial, period.

      Report Post » pazzo242  
    • SpokaneNinja
      Posted on September 1, 2011 at 9:28am

      @Big Book Harry:

      An interesting argument, that Jesus’ atonement means the death penalty no longer applies but life imprisonment does. Christ’s death and resurrection reconcile us to God, not the government. Besides, if Christ’s sacrifice nullified the death penalty, shouldn’t it also remove the entire sentance, as it does for God’s wrath?

      Report Post »  
    • ShawnRitt
      Posted on September 1, 2011 at 1:41pm

      The sixth commandment is to not murder. As you see this practiced in the Bible, self defense (Lk 22:36) and times of war were exceptions – for sake of self-defense and in divine punishment at that time.
      After the establishment of government, the authority was given to the government to carry out any capital punishment (Romans 13:4). Capital punishment is Biblical, but even as in Bible times, there had to be absolute proof and no question of as to the guilt of a person. I am for the death penalty in those cases where there is a confession of murder or there is such real proof (e.g. DNA testing) where it is clear that the person is guilty. If there is ANY possibility or question – even if it seems clear the person is guilty – they should be locked up until they are acquitted or absolute proof of their guilt.
      Regarding the references to John 8 in this discussion and the woman in adultery; we could use this verse to excuse every illegal act and have no prisons. This sin was clearly one not worth pursuing the death penalty, instead, she was to turn away from it (v. 11 “sin no more”). When this passage is brought up there really should be discussion about adultery being acceptable; this passage does not address murder so one is hard-pressed to use it when arguing for not having the death penalty.

      Report Post »  
    • FuturePresident
      Posted on September 4, 2011 at 1:36am

      Im sure my God could forgive the soldier on the ground who pulled the trigger. Its the people who sent them there who are going to burn in hell.

      Report Post » FuturePresident  
    • qban
      Posted on September 11, 2011 at 12:44pm

      @ THE_MONK:
      Lets see, are you talking about any religious group? Any time in history? Are you including pagans wars? Political “mistakes”? Just last century WWII, Stalin killing millions in Belarus, Pol-Pot/Hien Sari in SE Asia, Environmentalist banning DDT caused millions deaths by malaria, millions killed every year by abortions, etc, etc. Last century non-religious groups won big time. However, there are times in history your statement is true(crusades,etc), however, how do you count the deaths due to territory, hunting lands, simple greed, hate between warlords, wars under the religious banner but caused by other causes, wars way back in time impossible to account for? Your argument or any other against it is simply a matter of oppinion. facts are impossible to find.

      Report Post »  
  • ghost-of-elvis
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:47pm

    I beleive that the death penalty should only be applied to the unrepentant murderer. anyone who confesses and admits what they did in a spirit of contrition should get life in prison unless its in self defense. child molesters on the other hand I cannot help but support a death penalty for all of them, even though I know its wrong. even if they are repentant I cannot help but crave justice for the victims who are just supposed to be enjoying the innocence of childhood. we are supposed to live in peace with all others around us if at all possible, to paraphrase the Bible. We all know that since the nature of man is inherently flawed you can never live at peace with every single person you encounter in life. Any way you crack this nut it is one of the biggest mysteries in this Christian faith of ours at least to me anyway. I seem to remember something else about it being better for those who offend the little ones of the Lord if he were cast into the sea with a millstone(very heavy rock) around his neck. Sounds about right to me. God bless all my Christian brothers and sisters here on the blaze.

    Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:10pm

      The “unrepentant” murderer? ometimes the so called murderer is unrepentant because they did nothing to repent of. WOuld you be sorry for something that you did not do? The way I see it, if there is any doubt whatsoever of a person’s guilt in a crime, then there should be no death penatly. There have been a multitude of people convicted of murders that they did not commit. The law has even harranged them into confessions that weren’t true. I would think that had one been subjected to such tactics that they might feel the desire to die. DNA has gone a long way in proving guilt or innocence. All things should be considered. But law officers being human do make mistakes, whether it be pressure from the family or whatever, and I have seen family of victims want revenge so badly that they don’t care that an innocent person pays. That I do not understand..just someone..anyones’s suffering will do This country is out of money…trillions out. They are turning prisoners loose in Cali. So what are we going to do?

      Report Post »  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:43pm

      ahsesfrommaryjane…. Maybe you misunderstood my intention, I have been awake for 48 hours so I am kind of slow tonight. I only believe in the death penaly for the worst crimminals out there. You know the type I am speaking of or you are just naive. I saw so many crimes committed by ex-cons let out of overcrowded jail or weak sentences from idiot judges(look at the electorate in Detroit) during my years growing up there in the 80‘ s and 90’s. Hamtramck used to be a nice place to live for decent blue collar white european immigrants now it is a war zone inhabited by illegals who look like they just stepped out of a cave in pakistan. calls to prayer loud enough to hear throughout whole neighborhood, I assume coming from one or more of the many mosques in the formerly 90% Catholic enclave of Detroit. Thank God I was able to move to a small town out in the woods of northern michigan. even though this state sucks in many ways when it comes to government it sure is beautiful, secluded, secure and great for a survivalist up here in the northern woods. I feel my family is much better off up here especially after seeing the beginning racial unrest worldwide and beginning here now. I welcome Christian brothers and sisters of all races and nationalities but we must not be afraid to adress the problems with the minority communities. Like my daddy said once “Don’t be afraid to call a spaid a spaid

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • SlimnRanger
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:57pm

      I attend Church regularly,i pray every day,i also read and study my Bible,i totally support the death penalty,When anyone commits a crime against another human such as taking their life,Why should they get life in prison? But with that said i only support it in first degree murder cases,If the death sentance was carried out in a few short years of the trial instead of waiting 15 to 20 years before the convicted is put to death,I strongly believe there would be alot less murders.God Bless the U.S.A.

      Report Post »  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:13pm

      If you are a believing Christian then you must surely believe in forgiveness, right? Scripture teaches us that no matter how many or how great a man’s sins are if he repents and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and soul then he is forgiven his sins for Jesus sake. There is one God and one mediator between men and God, if a man shall sin. He has a redeemer in Jesus Christ. That being said the coming to the Lord must be of an humble and contrite spirit, and that only spare the death penalty I am all for hard labor or work details and other kinds of punishment besides laying in a cell watching Jerry Springer and MSNBC all day.

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:13am

      @ Ghost-of-elvis
      I know that I am in the minority in this matter, but my thoughts are that it is more morally justifiable (or less morally indefensible) to execute the repentant murderer than to execute the murderer who is not contrite because I believe that the former will be in a better spot (in the long run) than the latter. I have a big problem with Huckabee-style lieniency for criminals who have come around (or, at least, who say they have come around) to my faith.

      Report Post »  
    • The10thAmendment
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:53am

      ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:13pm

      If you are a believing Christian then you must surely believe in forgiveness, right? Scripture teaches us that no matter how many or how great a man’s sins are if he repents and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and soul then he is forgiven his sins for Jesus sake. There is one God and one mediator between men and God, if a man shall sin. He has a redeemer in Jesus Christ. That being said the coming to the Lord must be of an humble and contrite spirit, and that only spare the death penalty I am all for hard labor or work details and other kinds of punishment besides laying in a cell watching Jerry Springer and MSNBC all day.
      ———————————————————————————————————————————————-
      Sure, there’s forgiveness. Apples and oranges position. I can forgive someone at the same time I throw the switch to end their anti social behavior.

      We are a NATION OF LAWS. If the laws cannot be enforced with diligence than it erodes the cornerstone of of the societies foundations based on a firm belief in the Supreme Governor of the Universe. To water down the affects of the punishment for a crime is an attack against the foundations of the Republic.

      Report Post » The10thAmendment  
    • Gideon300
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:03pm

      Ghost of Elvis you said this:

      “If you are a believing Christian then you must surely believe in forgiveness, right? Scripture teaches us that no matter how many or how great a man’s sins are if he repents and accepts the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and soul then he is forgiven his sins for Jesus sake.”

      Here is the problem with your premise: Forgiveness is a personal and individual act, while the death penalty has to do with government. The two have very little to do with each other. A victim or non-victim of the crime can forgive without issue, but the government was given the authority by God to police society and protect the righteous. Individuals are not the government and we have no right to condemn, but the government was granted that right by God for certain sins.

      Even Jesus stated this: Matthew 15: 3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’;[a] and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

      Also, just because you ask for forgiveness does not mean you will not be punished for your actions.

      Report Post »  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:43pm

      I am not saying don’t punish those who confess and truly repent. you guys act like I want them in my small country village. guess you missed the post where I said I was for hard labor and the like. why not put these guys to work repairing our infrastructure. probably would cost a lot less than paying some union guys to do it. just sayin the death penalty should be for the most depraved individuals only

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • webpreacher
      Posted on September 10, 2011 at 4:29pm

      GHOST-OF-ELVIS, I am glad to see you desire to know God’s Word, for it is God’s desire for man. However, a few things I need to clarify apropos to Holy Scripture. One thing needs to be made clear, you had in another post (earlier post) referred to a “man” as “the good father”..this is a title that can only be ascribed to God the Father, and Him alone, it is blasphemy for ANY man to except that title. Matthew 23:8-9 ; Verse 8 “But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren” (talking to “Saved believers”) verse 9. ” And cal NO MAN your father upon the earth: for on is your Father, which is in Heaven”. Noticed that the first word “father in verse 9 is not capitalized, but the second is…every important and purposed by God. Also, in this post you have expressed you bias toward a single group of “felons”/ criminals those that assault children. and you try to support your bias using a particular passage of God’s Word. Where Jesus is teaching about “offending little ones’, better they be cast into the sea…. and so on. Well, Jesus is not talking about children per say, nor sexual crimes against children ! The passage of scripture you are referring to, is found in Matthew 18:1-9,/ verses 1-5 Jesus is giving a lesson on “humility” becoming as a little children, who are trusting & humble. verses 6-9 Jesus addresses the stumblingblocks of life, He calls “OFFENCES”. Jesus is NOT talking about sexual crimes at all, if He w

      Report Post » webpreacher  
  • clockwatcher
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:44pm

    The good book says an “ eye for an eye” does it not? Let them all meet god as soon as possible. Kill them all.

    Report Post » clockwatcher  
    • flightnurse72
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:57pm

      the next line…“And vengeance is mine saith the Lord”

      Report Post »  
    • romans58snrsvd
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:06pm

      Matthew 5:38-41 (NET) “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. And if someone wants to sue you and to take your tunic, give him your coat also. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.”

      I support the death penalty, but don’t misread scripture to promote your agenda.

      Report Post »  
    • DYNA
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:53pm

      @flightnurse72
      A Godly government removes the wicked from the good.

      The civil authorities should not be a terror to good conduct, but to those of bad behavior.

      Romans 13:4
      …….the civil authority does not bear and wear the sword for nothing.
      The civil authority should be God’s servant to execute His wrath,punishment,
      and vengeance on the wrongdoer.

      Obviously good government in this temporal realm, is suppose to be God’s vengeance.

      Report Post »  
    • DYNA
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:17pm

      @flightnurse72
      You are right about not killing out of hate.
      But in self defense for ones family or nation, there is a time for,killing.
      I would rather not do anything outside the peace of God.

      To the best of my knowledge, Matthew 3:38-41,
      as in turning the other cheek, pertains to witnessing the kingdom of Heaven.

      Report Post »  
    • Obeckian1984
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 5:50am

      That’s how the church justified burning people at the stake
      and the Salem witch trials, all using the authority of God and the
      bible.
      or do you blazers really believe in witches ?

      Report Post » Obeckian1984  
    • Gideon300
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:14pm

      Romans58,

      The verse you quoted is dealing with the individual. Government is not the individual it was granted the right by God to protect the righteous, this includes putting to death those that have harmed society. Notice in the gospels that Jesus never condemns government for putting to death the other two men on the cross. He did condemn the group of people trying to kill the prostitute because individuals do not hold the right to condemn. Again, the difference between individual and government.

      When speaking to those that upheld the law He rebuked their handling of the law by stated this:

      Matthew 15: 3 He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’;[a] and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’

      Report Post »  
  • Amy
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:43pm

    As Christians, or any moral faith, we must give the condemned the right to redemption!

    No privileges allowed – No visitors – No fancy workout – controlled entertainment and selected reading only (Bible, philosophy, mythology, poetry). Expensive? Yes, but eventually the fools on the outside realize the condemned on the inside have it pretty bad with no special treatments.

    Report Post » Amy  
    • SpeckChaser
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:58pm

      I am against the death penalty because often the punishment don’t fit the crime. How can somebody rape, torture, and dismember someone and the punishment be a needle in the arm and fall asleep.

      Inmates should be worked sun up to sun down. Once they are no longer capable of that work day, then give em the needle.

      Report Post » SpeckChaser  
    • llotus
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:53pm

      amy….hasnt the administration and progressives decided that treatment is torture. I am for the death penalty. I think that child molestation should be considered. Call me radical….but thats how I see it. If my child was molested or raped…I would want to do the job myself. Lotus.

      Report Post »  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:28pm

      ““Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
      11 “No one, sir,” she said.
      “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”"

      Wow, that is such a disgraceful representation of Scripture. He is not letting her off. He cannot condemn her because there were no WITNESSES!!!!! They said all this to trap Him. Read the penalty for adultery. The man AND the woman are to be stoned. And who is to throw the first stones? THE WITNESSES! Wow, you cannot understand the “new testament” if you do not understand the “old”.

      He told them straight… let he among you who is without sin cast the first stone. In 2000 year old “church”, pagan, hippy, anachronisms this means if you have no sin in your life then you are worthy. IN TRUTH and in TORAH it means, the one of you who is actually NOT LYING, stone her. They told Him they caught her in the very act! Yet where is the man? “jesus” must tell them to stone her. If she was guilty then she must be stoned. If He does not pass that sentence then He violates the Law and is a FALSE PROPHET. Can all you touchy-feely, abandon-logic-and-anything-jew christians get that? If you actually believe He didn’t advise her stoning (if she was guilty) then you have a FALSE MESSIAH!

      He didn’t condemn her because there was nobody to condemn her. No witnesses. Because they didn’t catch her in the act… they lied. So Messiah could not condemn her. Nothing like chri

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
    • Talmid of Yeshua
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:25am

      @ DTOM Jericho,

      I couldn’t have said it better myself, and made a similar comment elsewhere in this thread.

      Most Christians don’t understand the sayings of Yehsua (Jesus), because they refuse to accept that Jesus was a Torah-observant Jew, and not a Christian. Christianity is an invention of the Romans, not of the followers of Yeshua, the prophets.

      Report Post » Talmid of Yeshua  
    • megansmom
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 3:25am

      DTom what can i say? you are correct in what you say. too bad many Christians will argue the point with you.
      I am not very good with what verse says what but I do know that as one of His teaching Jesus said yes the Father forgives you and man may forgive you but you must endure the punishment the law prescribes for your sins. So if the law says you die, you die but you can still go to God and be forgives. I know it’s in Hebrews

      Report Post »  
    • Darren
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:26pm

      DTOM;

      I also ask others “where was the man,” when this scripture is used under the guise of forgoing condemnation. The fact that there was no man, who is also to be condemned to death under the LAW, to condemnd indicates an outright lie by the accusers.

      Report Post » Darren  
    • ChristianLayman
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:35pm

      @Talmid of Yeshua

      No, Christianity is not an invention of the Romans. All the people who accepted Jesus as the “Christ” or “Christos” (the Greek word that means “annointed one”) would have been called Christians. Messiah is derived from the Hebrew word, “Maschiach” which means the “annointed one”, ergo Christ = Messiah.

      We have the post-apostolic writings of the Church Fathers that refer to themselves as Christians (nevermind Acts 11:26 where it states “….and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.” And speaking of the Church at Antioch, the third Bishop, St. Ignatius further wrote in his Letter to the Smyrnaeans, Chapter 8: “Wherever the bishop shall appear, there let the multitude [of the people] also be; even as, wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic Church.”

      I thought I’d include that last bit as to emphasize who the true followers of Christ were during that time period, seeing how the Romans kept killing them, and then we have people that insist wrongly that “gnosticism” or some such nonsense is the “true” Christianity.

      Report Post »  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:19pm

      @Christianlayman………….It was simply “the way”

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:01pm

      @christian layman
      The term “christian” in the Scripture is used in the pejorative. Literally they were called “little christs”, mockingly. Just wanted to clear that up. and Christos is not “derived” it is a translation. Just wanted to clear that up.

      By the way, “jesus” is neither translated or “derived” from Yeshua. The vegetable soup of “jesus” has no translation and is a pieces of latin, greek, german, english. Yeshua is literally translated “salvation”.

      One of the major insults of this society is to get someone’s name wrong. (listen to Rush Limbaugh for one day for 25-50 examples) So my question is, what name are you using?

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
  • COASTIE90
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:41pm

    Thou shalt not kill. I’m against the death penalty and abortion. I know, I’m unusual. My christian beliefs don’t allow for differentiating between the two.

    Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:44pm

      or the crime of recording police during a citation and taking a tape recorder into the courtroom, 41-year old mechanic Michael Allison faces a life sentence in prison. The state of Illinois has charged Allison with five counts of wiretapping, each punishable by four to 15 years in prison.
      so should any one get the death penalty ?
      soon we are all going to be convicted of something
      http://www.infowars.com/report-on-man-who-faces-life-sentence-for-recording-cops/

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Lib Whisperer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:46pm

      Mine do! In one word: “Accountability”.

      Report Post »  
    • Rational Man
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:55pm

      “I know, I’m unusual. My christian beliefs don’t allow for differentiating between the two.”

      Let me help you out, if I can.
      The difference is, one is guilty and the other is innocent………Just saying…………….

      Report Post » Rational Man  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:16pm

      LIB WHIS love you enemy
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bi8Jm8ddjLE

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • greeneyes1982
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:38pm

      Well when you get the commandment correct there is a HUGE difference. Thou shalt not murder is the commandment that i have always read in the Bible. Thou shalt not murder has a totally different meaning from Thou shalt not kill. If we were to live by the Thou shalt not kill then simply killing an animal for food would be a sin.

      Report Post » greeneyes1982  
    • jorskippy
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:45pm

      Then you have not lost a loved one to murder. Your views would change.

      Report Post »  
    • BadAndy17403
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:01pm

      The commandment is not “thou shalt not Kill’, it is “thou shalt not murder” this is the proper translation from the ancient Aramaic.

      Report Post »  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:17pm

      Lost a loved one to street vilolence, my father in 1994 on the eastside of Detroit 2 blocks from where we lived by one of Eric Holders people over a fight that was lost over a 25 dollar card game. Shot in the back by a coward. In that case street justice was effected, or so the rumor was in the neighborhood. In that case I believe it is justified. He who does not provide for his family, which I take to mean protect also, is worse than an infidel and an unbeliever. according to scripture. My opinion is that if somebody is truly repentant to God then they should be spared the death penalty. You need not look further than St.Paul the Apostle who was a persecuter and murderer of Christians before coming to the Light and obtained mercy and grace. The Charles Mansons, Nidal Hassans, and that other terrorist soldier they caught in Killeen are the type that deserve the firing squad in my opinion. Warren Jeffs and his ilk also.

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • Ohello
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:34pm

      Thou shalt not murder … Soldiers, self-defense, executioners, sheep dogs sometimes justifiably kill to protect the people of God. OT readings however still indicate God chastises those with blood on their hands. Just remember, King David, a man after God’s own heart, ordered a soldier to be murdered, to cover up his fornication, and adultery. God did not let that go without consequence.

      Deuteronomy and Leviticus give many situations in which the death penalty is appropriate for certain behaviors. Check out Deut. 25…. Christ came and still maintains that the penalty for sin is death. All mankind is condemned to die. There is not one who has not sinned against God Almighty and God Incarnate except of course God Himself. Grace and Mercy provides conviction, repentance, faith, rebirth, and salvation. Gratitude and an awareness of who God is provides incentive to be obedient and sin no more. That said, there are those who are in rebellion, whose hearts are hardened, and commit heinous crimes, and will never repent or turn to Christ. These the Government is commissioned to put down in order to protect the law abiding citizens. God will judge the rest of the unfaithful, homosexuals, idolators, fornicators, atheists in due time. Christians are not to judge, and a Christian soldier must not murder, but must do his job in such a way as God is glorified. He might be called to sacrifice his own life in battle, fighting, killing, and dying in war.

      Report Post »  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:49pm

      Ohello I appreciate your post and you and I are pretty colse on a few points. I can that as a Christian soldier yes if you were to find yourself in a position where you had to use deadly force it would be pardonable in the sight of God if that person was in the proper spirit of repentence. It is the ones who see no sin in the life they live that find themselves in danger of God’s judgement through His Son Jesus. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, and.. If we say that we have not sinned we make Him a liar and His word in not in us. I include homosexuals and abortionists in this group who will face Gods judgement, but I do not believe in a man imposed death sentence ala sharia law for these lost souls.

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • SFsuper49er
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 5:53pm

      Wow! A Smart one in the bunch. It’s Gods law and there is no way to get around it… There are no half truths with God. It is what it is. Period …

      Report Post »  
    • John
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:49pm

      I agree with you Coastie90. Thou shall not kill is pretty clear to me. No one should take a life, only in the case of self preservation would taking a life be necessary, but escalation of force should be initiated first. We should be especially careful when giving the government authority to take a life in anyway.

      Report Post »  
  • conservativeKen1971
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:41pm

    God created the death penalty. If you think our death penalty is bad read the Bible and see what God said would earn somebody a death penalty. Here’s a starter. If somebody was working on your house, fell off the roof and dies as a result the owner of the house was also to be put to death. So do I feel bad wanting a murderer to be put to death? Uhm, nope.

    Report Post » conservativeKen1971  
  • spasm
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:40pm

    When we have the power to bring all innocents back to life then sure, I am for it. killing killers sure may feel good but it is not the right thing to do. Is 1000 people who were found guilty and put to death worth the 1 innocent that may have been found guilty and put to death..? I cannot support that. Let them rot in jail. Not saying if someone killed a family member I would not want to seek vengance, I just do not want government killing in the name of justice….

    The Lord has His own plan for us, and it is greater then ours….. Let Him decide and let Him judge…. For His Judgement is upon all of us and carries a far greater reward or punishment then we can afford to anyone on this earth….

    Report Post »  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:51pm

      Spasm……………..the power to bring all innocents back to life.
      It’s called the resurrection John 5: 28, 29 Do not marvel at this because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out……………..

      Report Post » Greenwood  
  • nptden
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:40pm

    You kill illegally. You should be killed legally after trial. No waiting. Just go from the court to a yard and have your brains blown out.

    Report Post » nptden  
  • Lib Whisperer
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:39pm

    For rape, murder (of course) but also drive-bys and wanton disregard for human life. Why should you benefit because you’re not very good at shooting, either? And ANOTHER thing… I’m sick of hearing how this one or that one was wrongfully convicted and locked up for 25 years, and now at the age of 50 DNA proves for once in his life he DIDN’T do it. Better than winning the lottery! Why? Because at 50 you’re probably not going to get back into TOO much trouble, You have no bills. You have 2 million dollars plus lifetime medical/dental… AND you have another 2 million coming in… WOW! There’s no WAY your average frameable suspect would ever have amassed that much on the outside on his own. And there‘s no way he would’ve STAYED out for 25 years and finally gotten nailed for one he DID do.

    Man… talk about a lucky break!

    Of course… I’m an optimist.

    Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:45pm

      for religion like ancient Rome ?????
      wake up these laws are for the slaves not the elite

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Oldphoto678
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:24pm

      No, what you are is an idiot if you believe that crap you just wrote.

      Report Post »  
  • theninthplanet
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:38pm

    If you have the view that all life is sacred (pro-life), you need to apply that uniformly to ALL life, even that of sinners. I don’t support the death penalty for this reason.

    If you’re not religious and support the death penalty, something particularly troubling is the fact that the legal system is NOT perfect and there ARE wrongful convictions.

    Also, the legal fees to execute someone are usually on the order of tens of millions. It is cheaper to keep them locked up for the rest of their natural life.

    Report Post » theninthplanet  
    • Lib Whisperer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:45pm

      It would be a LOT cheaper with mandatory DNA and limited appeals.

      Report Post »  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:08pm

      Good Post THENINTHPLANET !

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:19am

      The Roman Catholic Church professes the following:

      If a Catholic were to be at odds with the Holy Father on the application of capital punishment or on the decision to wage war, he would not for that reason be considered unworthy to present himself to receive Holy Communion. While the Church exhorts civil authorities to seek peace, not war, and to exercise discretion and mercy in imposing punishment on criminals, it may still be permissible to take up arms to repel an aggressor or to have recourse to capital punishment. There may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.

      I chose to believe in the just war concept and capital punishment as the last resort.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • cookcountypatriot
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:35pm

    is it moral?…when we hunt down terrorists and kill them does the question come up??so when a so called american criminal commits murder and terrorizes innocent people the question of capital punishmet becomes clouded??…do not let progressives of any kind control this conversation…capital punishment is not only moral its a neccesity in todays society….there are far to many criminals walking our streets from early parole…our nieghborhoods are full of registered child molesters living among us and why..becaue of progressive judges,progressive mental health proffesionals ,progressive social workers,,,the progressive agenda is a dismal failure…look at the crime in detroit,chicago ,atlanta, la..we need to us capital punishment more often …free innocent people deserve peace,,and the right to happiness…not bars on our windows and loaded wepons next to our beds…and progressives have the nerve to ask if its moral…

    Report Post » cookcountypatriot  
    • spasm
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:48pm

      If someone is an active threat then you have a right to defend yourself. If they are in prison what threat are they??

      Report Post »  
    • Rayblue
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:23pm

      The cub scout murderers.
      Now free.

      Report Post » Rayblue  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:47pm

      I totally agree with you see my above post about conditions in my hometown of Detroit… sad and pathetic. I had an Army buddy who happened to be born and raised in Montenegro and when he saw Detroit for the first time he asked me who bombed the city and how long ago was the war over with. I told him those were just the results of progressive black politicians destroying their own communities. I pray for the good people of Detroit because I know there are some out there, they need it. 4 generations of welfare and entitlement. My grandparents came here from Ireland in 1957 and flourished within 20 years. What the hell is wrong with people. Nobody owes you anything. You are entitled to nada. My family has never owned a slave and were oppresed by Britain for hundreds of years and I have never heard an excuse made. Get over it already, we are all Americans so learn and embrace the culture or our nation has no future.

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:07am

      O.J. Simpson

      Report Post » Greenwood  
  • Chappy123
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:34pm

    An eye for an eye.

    Report Post »  
  • AmericablessGod
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:34pm

    “Thou shalt not kill” – God.

    I am Catholic and pro-life. One cannot be pro-life and support killing intentionally except in the case of self-defense. Our prisons are capable of containing dangerous criminals from society, so there is no need to play God. There have been many innocent men executed and one is too many. God’s Divine Mercy allows even the worst criminals to repent and be forgiven. We are not to contradict God.

    Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • theninthplanet
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:40pm

      “killing intentionally in self defense” – If it’s truly self defense, it isn’t killing intentionally. The action is self defense, and an unfortunate consequence of the action is death of another, but the intent isn’t killing.

      Report Post » theninthplanet  
    • Lib Whisperer
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:42pm

      The death penalty IS “self defense”. It’s a wonderful teacher AND it prevents all future murders committed by the executionee… which is good for his immortal soul. He’s got a much better shot at Paradise if I stretch his neck for one murder, than if he’s in and out of the system with 3 or 4 on his head. You need to see the Big Picture and quit being so selfish.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:54pm

      LIB WHISPERER

      Who said they should be freed? I support life in prison with hard labor and a chance for repentance.

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • Southernguy
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:26am

      Check the text out in the original. It does NOT say that. It says: Innocent blood, you shall not shed. That’s reading from right to left in the Hebrew.

      Report Post » Southernguy  
    • Lord_Frostwind
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 2:45am

      I reconcile in two ways. First, the difference between the abortion and the execution is the fact that an unborn child has done no wrong, execution, with the rare mistake is reserved for those who have taken the life of another. Second, the commandment is applied on the individual level, Retributive Justice is when the state takes action against the criminal to reconcile the damage done to society, while an individual taking a life may be considered wrong, actions of governments taking lives, such as in wars, are usually not held under the same commandment. While that is my opinion, Your Mileage May Vary.

      Report Post » Lord_Frostwind  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:41am

      AMERICABLESSGOD

      I too am a Catholic. Our church teaches that the civil government may use capital punishment when punishing the guilty and protecting the innocent. Futher, the judicious use of this civil power is not in conflict with the commandment not to murder. The purpose of commandment is to preserve the sanctity of life. The death penality is to give security to life by repressing outrage and violence.

      The Church also recognizes that individual Catholics may choose to not support the death penalty without violalting Church doctrine.

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:21am

      DISMAYEDVETERAN – You are technically correct about Church teaching on civil penalties, however, it also teaches that capital punishment should be administered only if it is the only way to safeguard the innocent in society.

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • ChristianLayman
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 7:47pm

      I’m kind of so-so on this. I feel more disposed to your position of having prisoners serve out their sentence by doing hard labor, until God removes them from this world, and for the truly heinous crimes, to be kept in a small dark room, isolated from all human contact until natural death.

      Report Post »  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:27pm

      It’s interesting that no one considers the individual who injects, throws the switch, etc. to cause the death during a legal execution. They are “just doing their job”, but what is the disposition of their soul after this act? They are not acting in self-defense as in war, so how do we justify this morally?

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:50pm

      @Christian…………………….to be kept in a small dark room, isolated from all human contact until natural death.
      What is really more merciful the death penalty or isolation; think about it.

      Deuteronomy 19: 12, 13………………he must die. 13. Your eye should not feel sorry for him…………

      This chapter deals with the handling of bloodguilt and false witnesses.

      Report Post » Greenwood  
  • conservative_teacher
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:34pm

    Why isn’t there a 4th poll option:”Who Gives A Rat’s Ass”?

    Report Post » conservative_teacher  
  • Seede
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:34pm

    Depends on which way you are taught. If you believe, as a Christian, that the new covenant of Jesus is valid, then the answer would be that death to any human is not Godly. If you subscribe to the old covenant of Moses then the death penalty would be valid. I believe that the right way is to bring back Devils Island, issue the seeds and shovels, rakes, and hoes and let them have at it. Let them kill each other or let God do it.

    Report Post »  
    • RushEcho2
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:18pm

      Wrong-o .!. Scroll to 8:32pm and read the scriptural explanation of VENNOYE . . . (Look for the icon of a Sheltie puppy) Christ did not change the laws of God since he made them as Jehovah.

      VENNOYE notes::: John 1:1 tells us that Jesus was the word made flesh..so nothing in the new/renewed covenant of Jeremiah 31:31 changes the rules governing justice given to Moses.

      Report Post » RushEcho2  
  • Ron_WA
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:33pm

    In my humble opinion NO. Only God has the ability to give life & God should be the one who takes life in cold blood (heat of the moment [self-defense, war, to protect life & limb in imminent danger) is different.

    Report Post » Ron_WA  
  • Married To A Teacher
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:32pm

    Did not Jesus allow himself to be executed? Granted, it was necessary for Him to die for our sins, but he could have easily saved the lives of those executed with him; God chose not to. I believe this is a very clear sign that God allows the death penalty for the mortal body; Jesus’s death on the cross and resurrection gives us the promise of an escape to Heaven for the soul no matter what man may do.

    Report Post »  
    • encinom
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:35pm

      What twisted church do you attend. Did God not speak “Vengence is mine” what at about Christ’s challenge to those who would cast the first stone. You are not a Christian, you just like death.

      Report Post »  
    • BonnieBlueFlag
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:37pm

      I have had that same thought before. When Christ was on the cross he said,
      “Forgive them Father for they know not what they do.”

      If execution were not acceptable, he would have said something like, Forgive them even though they are knowingly murdering people.

      The crucifixion was the ultimate time and place to make His will known.

      Report Post » BonnieBlueFlag  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:29pm

      Encinoman(unfrozen brendan fraser)..God did say vengeance is mine, I will repay. How do you think he will repay? He will either give another of the flesh power over their body or He could send a natural disaster, or I am sure He has many other options that any man could ever concieve or understand. I am sure you will mock me or name call like the clown you are. Funny thing is that I am prepared to be mocked, ridiculed and persecuted or my beliefs and expect it. It just reinforces my belief in God’s Holy Church and His Word

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • MHP
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:55am

      encinom

      Remember the execution of Judy Boneono (sp) in Florida’s electric chair? Her eyed popped out of head, as it exploded. For the witnesses there it was wonderful to watch LMFAO

      Should we waterboard you?

      Report Post » MHP  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:32pm

    If the proof is there, the murderer should pay with his or her life.

    Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 10:21pm

      Have to base my opinion on what the Bible says…..not what I think….Numbers 35:30 Whoso killeth any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die Numbers 35:31 Moreover ye shall take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer, which is guilty of death: but he shall be surely put to death. Numbers 35:32 And ye shall take no satisfaction for him that is fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priest. Numbers 35:33 So ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: for blood it defileth the land: and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed it. {the land cannot…: Heb. there can be no expiation for the land}
      John 1:1 tells us that Jesus was the word made flesh..so nothing in the new/renewed covenant of Jeremiah 31:31 changes the rules governing justice given to Moses.

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • stage9
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:31pm

    How should a Christian view the death penalty? First, we must remember that God has instituted capital punishment in His Word; therefore, it would be presumptuous of us to think that we could institute a higher standard. God has the highest standard of any being; He is perfect. This standard applies not only to us but to Himself. Therefore, He loves to an infinite degree, and He has mercy to an infinite degree. We also see that He has wrath to an infinite degree, and it is all maintained in a perfect balance.

    Second, we must recognize that God has given 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.

    Report Post » stage9  
    • encinom
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:39pm

      I guess Christian’s should not have stood up against Hitler, he was the German goverment and had a divine right to do what he did, according to your logic. What about capital punisment for rape or theft is the State free to define capital punishment in God’s eye, how about for liars, cheats and jay walkers.

      Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:08pm

      Stage9,
      You gave a perfect scriptural answer. Good job.
      Some do not appreciate God’s instructions but only want to argue the point, in an effort to justify their own ignorance.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • dukestreet
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 1:47am

      I have to say that I don’t agree with the death penalty. Many but certainly not all murders have been acts of passion therefore I don’t believe that it acts as a deterrent there have been many studies that verify this,

      There have been people who have been executed who have been later found to be innocent. There have been cases where DNA evidence has excluded the person found guilty and still the judge has refused to retry the case. I don‘t understand the judge’s position.

      Even in the Old Testament God required that 5 cities of safe haven be set out all around Israel so that people thought guilty of murder would have a place they could go for safety.

      God said vengeance is mine I will repay and Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself and the example He used were the people most hated by the Jews.

      We live in a very strange World where it is fine to kill millions of babies in the name of freedom of body but at the same time the state continues to kill. the US is catching up to China which now have travelling execution vans so it can be done more quickly and humanly.

      It is easy to want vengeance for an act against ourselves or one we love. It is harder and more Christlike to forgive those acts. I believe that life imprisonment would be appropriate. If you execute the wrong person you can’t bring them back but if you imprison them you can still release them and compensate them for wrongful imprisonment.

      I know that wrongful imprisonment is not common

      Report Post »  
  • 00gabooga
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:30pm

    It’s not. I am a devout Catholic and I struggle with this often, but at it‘s heart I consider the death penalty rendering unto Caeser that which is Caeser’s.

    Report Post » 00gabooga  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:44pm

      Thou shalt not kill. Simple. Jesus didn’t change the 10 Commandments. God is pro-life and so must we be.

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • ghost-of-elvis
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:01pm

      Thou shalt not murder….study some of the original texts you will find it illumating. Killing for self defense or to protect your family is not murder. It is actually the responsibility of a Christian man to provide for and protect his family, and if at all possible other brothers or sisters in need. So in short, while God may not encourage killing in any form outright, in His eyes I believe that sometime things are necessary

      Report Post » ghost-of-elvis  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:27pm

      @AmericablessGod………………..Thou shalt not kill. Simple. Jesus didn’t change the 10 Commandments. God is pro-life and so must we be.
      Thou shalt not murder…..is the correct translation

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:55pm

      GREENWOOD-by whose authority do you claim this to be the “correct” translation? Besides, semantics are somewhat less important than life or death decisions, don’t you think? Is not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ the “Gospel of Love”? Is human vengeance in concordance with this?

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:24pm

      @America……………….“human vengeance ” NO JUSTICE

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 10:34pm

      @America……………“human vengeance” NO Justice

      Report Post » Greenwood  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:30pm

    The only problem with the death penalty is it takes too long to execute the prisoner,they have years of appeals that cost taxpayers millions,we need to streamline the process and get them in the ground quickly.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • INOGAWD
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:37pm

      Agreed, Eye For An Eye… get er done !!!

      Report Post » INOGAWD  
  • mattwakulik
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:26pm

    but i cant stand the people who support abortion and are against the death penalty!!

    Report Post » mattwakulik  
    • CatB
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:36pm

      One is a innocent life … the other has committed crimes against humanity .. you can’t understand that?

      Report Post »  
    • spasm
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:56pm

      hes pointing out the hypocrisy of the lib mentality..

      Report Post »  
    • blownaway
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:06pm

      CATB – your ignorance is showing…

      Report Post » blownaway  
    • CatB
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:49pm

      NO just tired .. I misread ..

      Report Post »  
  • mattwakulik
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:25pm

    no its not but should the state and citizens tax money take care of rapists and murders???

    Report Post » mattwakulik  
    • tower7femacamp
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:32pm

      send them to mexico for 5000 a year instead of the 30 to 40 thousand we spend to private prisons
      with million dollar lobbyist in USA, why spend more on criminals than college students ?

      Report Post » tower7femacamp  
  • MOLLYPITCHER
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:21pm

    I am in favor of the death penalty for murderers AND child molesters.

    Report Post »  
    • RushEcho2
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 11:04pm

      The simple answer is, yes. It is Christian to carry out what the laws of nations hold, including capital punishment. The final judgement will be even more severe.

      Report Post » RushEcho2  
  • tower7femacamp
    Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:21pm

    Supporting the death penalty is Satanic and will create tyranny
    http://listverse.com/2009/03/07/16-signs-that-you-live-in-a-tyranny/

    Report Post » tower7femacamp  
    • Applehead
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 8:45pm

      It’s against Catholic teaching to support the Death Penalty! Every person needs to have a chance at redemption to save their soul! Murders and child molesters should be in prison forever and treated morally! I’m not saying a life of hanging out watching tv and having fun but in a typical jail cell with 3 squares of prison food, blanket,bed in a normal climate with books, limited tv and exercise etc… It is the decision of Jesus Christ when someone is to die with the exception of war! Even if a person repents the last second of his life or may have opportunity to repent when facing Jesus immediately after his death or God knows! Or course Catholics believe in Purgatory where you can be cleansed for your sins for as long as Jesus see fit before passing to Heaven! It is impossible to sin once you die and are in purgatory or Heaven. Purgatory is an awful place with much suffering according to the Saints and your sins are burned away! You need people on earth to pray, offer up masses and fast to be released. There are different levels of Purgatory with the lowest being Hell like! Thats why Catholics pray for the dead!!! I believe that vast majority of us pass through Purgatory to be cleansed before going to Heaven. Praying for the dead is from the OT bc Jews prayed for the dead!

      Report Post »  
    • Blacktooth
      Posted on August 30, 2011 at 9:47pm

      Everybody sins and therefore we all die.
      A murderer, because of his sin against society and God only hastens the inevitable – death.

      Romans 6:23 – For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

      But there is hope for all of us through the ransom death of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

      Report Post » Blacktooth  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 12:20am

      @Applehead……………Show me in the bible where you find purgatory or limbo.
      Romans 6: 23 For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.

      Report Post » Greenwood  
    • AmericablessGod
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:04am

      GREENWOOD – Explanation of Purgatory: First, there is the scriptural practice of prayers for the dead: “In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he were not expecting the dead to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin” (2 Macc. 12:43–45). Prayers are not needed by those in heaven, and no one can help those in hell. That means there must be a third condition, at least temporarily. This verse so clearly illustrates the concept of purgatory that Protestants had to cut the books of the Maccabees out of their Bibles in order to avoid accepting the doctrine.

      Christ refers to the sinner who “will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come” (Matt. 12:32), suggesting that one can be freed after death of the consequences of one’s sins. Paul tells us that, when we are judged, each man’s work will be tried. “He will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire” (1 Cor 3:15). This loss can’t refer to hell, since no one is saved there; and not heaven, since there is no suffering (“fire”) there. The Catholic doctrine of purgatory alone explains this passage. (CatholicAnswers.com)

      Report Post » AmericablessGod  
    • Applehead
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:47am

      Thank You and God Bless AMERICABLESSGOD!!! Your answer was perfect representation of Catholic Doctrine!

      Report Post »  
    • Dismayed Veteran
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 9:55am

      APPLEHEAD

      Capital punishment is not against the doctrine of the Catholic Church. In fact, the Church supports capital punishment as a last resort to punish the offender and protect the innocent (meaning the victim and future victims). The Catholic Church teaches that capital punishment is not murder because it gives security to life by surpressing violence.

      Futher, the Catholic Church created the Just War Theory. War and and the killing in war is not murder if the following four conditons are met:

      •the damage inflicted by the aggressor on the nation or community of nations must be lasting, grave, and certain;
      •all other means of putting an end to it must have been shown to be impractical or ineffective;
      •there must be serious prospects of success;
      •the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated

      Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
    • BuzzardSays
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 4:15pm

      To Applehead,
      You know the LDS Crowd believe they can baptize dead bodies as a means to get these lost loved ones to heaven. Wackadoodle.

      I have seen purgatory taught to Catholics as a means to usuage the angst felt by Catholics some of whom do not have an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ in a way that produces fruit of the spirit. This fruit is how we know we are abiding in Christ and thus are assured of having been adopted as a son or daughter by the living God. We want to do the will of God as Christ did the will of God.

      Not to say that a Christian can not be waylaid into sin by satan, they can, after all our righteousness is but filthy rags. After a bought with sin the Christian soldier rises dust themselves off (in repentence)and then follow Him(Jesus) again.

      BTW: It seems awful stupid to base your hope on purgatory instead of heaven. When you are striving for the prize of heaven don’t aim so poorly at the bullseye that you settle on just blindly firing somewhere in the general area of the target. You might just as easily end up in HELL for you poor aim.

      Report Post » BuzzardSays  
    • Eblaze44
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 6:39pm

      Seems like a few people should go back and read that Bible you so blithely believe in. No where can you find one verse that is against the death penalty. Even if you want to consider the stoning of the woman for committing adultery that Jesus stopped – he didn’t condemn the death penalty – he condemned the citizens for taking it on themselves – without a trial perhaps – and told them that the one that was without sin should cast the first stone – but the woman hadn’t committed murder – nor had she sassed and disobeyed her parents.

      What is to me truly immoral and inhuman is to lock a human in a cell for all their life. The Commandment is not “thou shalt not kill” it is thou shalt not commit murder. Crappy KJV.

      Report Post » Eblaze44  
    • Greenwood
      Posted on August 31, 2011 at 8:04pm

      @Applehead…………Doctrines of men

      Matthew 15: 9 It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.
      Ecclesiastes 9: 5 For the living are conscious that they will die, but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all…………
      Psalms 146: 4 His spirit goes out he goes back to his ground
      In that day his thoughts do perish
      Deuteronomy 18: 11………………..anyone who inquires of the dead. 12. For everybody doing these things is something detestable ……………………..
      Hell = Sheol [Hebrew] Hades [Greek] is just the common grave of man.
      It means to hide, cover or conceal ( helling potatoes is to cover in the ground not to cook or roast )
      For the wages of sin is death…………….not burning

      Report Post » Greenwood  
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