Capital Punishment?

[cranhurst]

I am totall against it.It is barbaric and a left over from cruel times

If it worked America would nt have to resort to it. It is certainly no deterent then. Only America executes in the western world and is coupled with Iran and China kills the most. Nothing to be proud of

Worse still it creates more victims with the innocent family members of the executed are left with the loss , stigma and shame.

 

[andrew4]

I do not believe in capital punishment, and I do not think it is compatible with Christianity. I am actually quite surprised how prominently some Christians support it. Capital punishment, along with many other precepts, we practiced in the Old Testament. But Jesus said, he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. This is as clear as it gets. "Vengeance is mine," says the Lord, it is not ours. I think many Christians support it today because it is the culturally "conservative" view to hold, as if conservatism and Christianity were one and the same in every issue. I go with the words of my Lord Jesus Christ. It is God that gives life, I have no right to take it away regardless of how much I may think they deserve it. I think if someone wants to support capital punishment based on justice, that same measure of justice (and not mercy) may be judged upon them on the last day. Christianity is about mercy. Freely we have received mercy without merit, so freely must we show it to our neighbors.

 

[Kathleen]

I think that both corprol and captial punishment should both be inforced.
I think that rapists should also be castaraded.
I belive that murderes and suh should be strung up like william wallace, and have his hands/arms/feet/legs/head removed on live tv - broadcasted on all channels so that everyone takes a 2nd think of what they are or might be wanting to do.
I know it may not sound right to some people, and may sound Unchristiany but I do belive that this will work.
As I said this is what i think simply my opinion and I am not syaing anyone else is wrong

 

[Cako53]

capital punishment is wrong

why?

1.Iit doesn't punish the violator - he/ she just dies - It DOES however punish the family....

2. If it is wrong for A to kill, it is wrong for B to kill. So the state has no more right over lives than anyone else

and seemingly prison doesnt scare them off it, so prison for life for rape, serious violence or murder is my vote....

the thing is, life is never actually life in prison. They don't die in prison unles they are old when they enter, or they have multiple violent crime acts. I find it horrible for someone to be able to kill someone and be out in 10 years. How the heck does that make sense? How is our government protecting us now? and as for rape, I find that just as dispicable as murder.

 

[Cako53]

I am totall against it.It is barbaric and a left over from cruel times

If it worked America would nt have to resort to it. It is certainly no deterent then. Only America executes in the western world and is coupled with Iran and China kills the most. Nothing to be proud of

Worse still it creates more victims with the innocent family members of the executed are left with the loss , stigma and shame.

It is a deterent though. I just posted some stats on it.

 

[shad]

I do not believe in capital punishment, and I do not think it is compatible with Christianity. I am actually quite surprised how prominently some Christians support it. Capital punishment, along with many other precepts, we practiced in the Old Testament. But Jesus said, he who is without sin, let him cast the first stone. This is as clear as it gets. "Vengeance is mine," says the Lord, it is not ours. I think many Christians support it today because it is the culturally "conservative" view to hold, as if conservatism and Christianity were one and the same in every issue. I go with the words of my Lord Jesus Christ. It is God that gives life, I have no right to take it away regardless of how much I may think they deserve it. I think if someone wants to support capital punishment based on justice, that same measure of justice (and not mercy) may be judged upon them on the last day. Christianity is about mercy. Freely we have received mercy without merit, so freely must we show it to our neighbors.

I am going to tread very lightly and would like to ask you a question. If you are going to convince me that capital punishment (condemning a person to death) is not compatible with Christianity, please explain why Ananias and his wife Sapphira in Acts 5 were struck dead? They sold their property but kept back part of the price and lied about it. Why didn't God give them mercy when he is the God of all mercy and desires mercy above sacrifice? Secondly, why did Paul commit certain ones to Satan for the destruction of the flesh / 1Cor 5:5 and why is there a sin unto physical death / 1Jn 5:16,17?

These are all issues that involve the church and not the world. How does the world deal with those that are a threat to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Should those that have little or no regard for human life have the liberty to take a life without retribution? Society has to protect themselves according to the law that will provide for the safety and freedom of its people to enjoy life and be productive without having the threat from others that disregard that life. To remove those that provide the greatest threat to society and have demonstrated themselves to be so, should be an acceptable retribution and consequence for such behavior. I believe that before any execution mercy should be provided through the gospel of Jesus Christ to those that desire it, that they may be forgiven and cleaned of their sins. Christ on the cross demonstrated that kind of mercy with the thief.

 

[Maddog]

I think that both corprol and captial punishment should both be inforced.
I think that rapists should also be castaraded.
I belive that murderes and suh should be strung up like william wallace, and have his hands/arms/feet/legs/head removed on live tv - broadcasted on all channels so that everyone takes a 2nd think of what they are or might be wanting to do.
I know it may not sound right to some people, and may sound Unchristiany but I do belive that this will work.
As I said this is what i think simply my opinion and I am not syaing anyone else is wrong

But the argument for deterrent is really quite secondary to the ethical question. What have you to say regarding the ethics of capital punishment?

 

[Cako53]

But the argument for deterrent is really quite secondary to the ethical question. What have you to say regarding the ethics of capital punishment?

I personally find capital punishment that is used in the right manner quite ethical. If killed humanely and for the right reasons than I agree with it. God is a forgiving God yes, but punishment is still deserved. Remember the city of Sodom and Gomorrah? All she did was turn around and God turned her to salt. Murder is against the 10 comandments. So I personally find capital punishment quite ethical.

 

[Matthew]

God is a forgiving God yes, but punishment is still deserved. Remember the city of Sodom and Gomorrah? All she did was turn around and God turned her to salt. Murder is against the 10 comandments.

I think everyone would probably agree that these offences warrant a harsh punishment, we may think death is a correct punishment but it's more a question of is it right for us to carry that punishment out, as for Sodom and Gomorrah, it was God that carried out that punishment not another human being so I don't really see the point you are making, of course God can punish with death, he gave life and can take it away.

I am not familiar with the exact wording of the ten commandments but I was always taught that the commandment is 'thou shalt not kill', but I have seen it as both murder and kill, but either way execution is killing, so if the crime is against the commandment then so the punishment would be as well.

 

[Cako53]

I think everyone would probably agree that these offences warrant a harsh punishment, we may think death is a correct punishment but it's more a question of is it right for us to carry that punishment out, as for Sodom and Gomorrah, it was God that carried out that punishment not another human being so I don't really see the point you are making, of course God can punish with death, he gave life and can take it away.

I am not familiar with the exact wording of the ten commandments but I was always taught that the commandment is 'thou shalt not kill', but I have seen it as both murder and kill, but either way execution is killing, so if the crime is against the commandment then so the punishment would be as well.

That's interesting, I never thought of it as God doing the killing. although I still do believe that capital punishment should be used. I have heard the argument about it isn't up to us to kill. They often say that the government shouldnt have the power to kill, but I believe that if you have taken someone elses life, than yours should be given up.

 

[Maddog]

I personally find capital punishment that is used in the right manner quite ethical. If killed humanely and for the right reasons than I agree with it. God is a forgiving God yes, but punishment is still deserved. Remember the city of Sodom and Gomorrah? All she did was turn around and God turned her to salt. Murder is against the 10 comandments. So I personally find capital punishment quite ethical.

I can see the argument for capital punishment in cases of murder, since that would be a proportionate punishment (though whether or not that means the state has the right to execute that punishment is a different kettle of fish). However, how do you justify capital punishment for crimes in which no one was killed, as you were advocating in your opening post??

 

[Cako53]

I can see the argument for capital punishment in cases of murder, since that would be a proportionate punishment (though whether or not that means the state has the right to execute that punishment is a different kettle of fish). However, how do you justify capital punishment for crimes in which no one was killed, as you were advocating in your opening post??

I still do agree with capital punishment on rape and child molestation and such. I am a strong believer on that actually. I think there is nothing lower than that. First off a child has no way to defend themselves, and is than left to deal with those siutations for the rest of their life. I know quite a few people who were molested when they were younger by family members or close friends, and only 1 of the, as their life on track. She is a christian, but the others all suffer from self inflicted injuring, or suicidal thoughts, or drug problems. It leaves something horrible with these kids. And I find rape horrible as well. It is just one of those things that thinking about leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. So yes I do agree with capital mpunishment there. A lot of people say it is really severe, and yes it is, but the act that they commited is very severe to. Everyone also sees things differently. Some people think oh it's just rape they will get over it, or the kid was young when it happened. I am just on the extremist side and I know I am.

 

[andrew4]

I am going to tread very lightly and would like to ask you a question. If you are going to convince me that capital punishment (condemning a person to death) is not compatible with Christianity, please explain why Ananias and his wife Sapphira in Acts 5 were struck dead? They sold their property but kept back part of the price and lied about it. Why didn't God give them mercy when he is the God of all mercy and desires mercy above sacrifice? Secondly, why did Paul commit certain ones to Satan for the destruction of the flesh / 1Cor 5:5 and why is there a sin unto physical death / 1Jn 5:16,17?

These are all issues that involve the church and not the world. How does the world deal with those that are a threat to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Should those that have little or no regard for human life have the liberty to take a life without retribution? Society has to protect themselves according to the law that will provide for the safety and freedom of its people to enjoy life and be productive without having the threat from others that disregard that life. To remove those that provide the greatest threat to society and have demonstrated themselves to be so, should be an acceptable retribution and consequence for such behavior. I believe that before any execution mercy should be provided through the gospel of Jesus Christ to those that desire it, that they may be forgiven and cleaned of their sins. Christ on the cross demonstrated that kind of mercy with the thief.

Actually, all your references in scripture seem to prove my point. As I had written, vengeance is the Lord's. Ananias was not killed by a Christian or an apostle. No where is it written in any part of the New Testament that a Christian killed someone according to the will of the Lord, nor is the killing of any person by another person ever justified. God gave life, it is his right and his alone to take it away, nobody else has the right to destroy what God has created and has not yet destroyed himself. Do you believe that there is any person on earth that has offended another person more than our offenses against God? Not only does God forgive man for his sins against him, but he went so far as to suffer and die just so we can be forgiven. If we condemn a neighbor to death, how can we expect to escape our own condemnation which is far more grievous?

 

[Maddog]

I still do agree with capital punishment on rape and child molestation and such. I am a strong believer on that actually. I think there is nothing lower than that. First off a child has no way to defend themselves, and is than left to deal with those siutations for the rest of their life. I know quite a few people who were molested when they were younger by family members or close friends, and only 1 of the, as their life on track. She is a christian, but the others all suffer from self inflicted injuring, or suicidal thoughts, or drug problems. It leaves something horrible with these kids. And I find rape horrible as well. It is just one of those things that thinking about leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. So yes I do agree with capital mpunishment there. A lot of people say it is really severe, and yes it is, but the act that they commited is very severe to. Everyone also sees things differently. Some people think oh it's just rape they will get over it, or the kid was young when it happened. I am just on the extremist side and I know I am.

Are you basically admitting that the primary reason you support capital punishment in these cases is because of your emotional response to them? You also seem to believe that such things are even more deserving of death than is murder ('I think there is nothing lower than that'), which to my mind makes no sense whatsoever as far as justice is concerned.

You are quite right to insist that these offences are very grave, but when measured against the infinite value of a human life, they just don't compare.

 

[andrew4]

I still do agree with capital punishment on rape and child molestation and such. I am a strong believer on that actually. I think there is nothing lower than that. First off a child has no way to defend themselves, and is than left to deal with those siutations for the rest of their life. I know quite a few people who were molested when they were younger by family members or close friends, and only 1 of the, as their life on track. She is a christian, but the others all suffer from self inflicted injuring, or suicidal thoughts, or drug problems. It leaves something horrible with these kids. And I find rape horrible as well. It is just one of those things that thinking about leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. So yes I do agree with capital mpunishment there. A lot of people say it is really severe, and yes it is, but the act that they commited is very severe to. Everyone also sees things differently. Some people think oh it's just rape they will get over it, or the kid was young when it happened. I am just on the extremist side and I know I am.

The question is not whether you believe these horrible acts are horrible, but whether you support capital punishment. Everyone here agrees those acts are horrible, but let me remind you of something (I proceed with the assumption that you are a Christian). What did it take for all the suffering and disasters of the world to be set forth? The breaking of 1 commandment of God, the effects of which continue to this very day. Christians really seem to forget at times just how grievous all sins are. You believe it is just for a person who commits those crimes to receive death. But did you also know that a single lie is worthy of eternal condemnation? The measure you judge will be the measure your judged by. If you judge with justice, you may very well receive it yourself. But if you judge with mercy, mercy will be shown to you. Eternal life is not a free gift, it was paid for by the blood and sufferings of God himself in our stead. Do you remember what the Lord said on the cross? What greater crime is there than the killing of God? And yet, he said "Father forgive them." The servant is no greater than the master. We must also forgive.

 

[Cako53]

Are you basically admitting that the primary reason you support capital punishment in these cases is because of your emotional response to them? You also seem to believe that such things are even more deserving of death than is murder ('I think there is nothing lower than that'), which to my mind makes no sense whatsoever as far as justice is concerned.

You are quite right to insist that these offences are very grave, but when measured against the infinite value of a human life, they just don't compare.

SO you asked me that something is "more" deserving than death. you are also putting your own opinion on this. Maybe to some of these people they would have rather died than have gone through what they went through. Yes my emotional opinion is that some of these crimes are worse than murder. But in your emotional opinion murder is worse than these. So either way it is a form of our opinions. They don't compare to you, but to others they might.

 

[Cako53]

The question is not whether you believe these horrible acts are horrible, but whether you support capital punishment. Everyone here agrees those acts are horrible, but let me remind you of something (I proceed with the assumption that you are a Christian). What did it take for all the suffering and disasters of the world to be set forth? The breaking of 1 commandment of God, the effects of which continue to this very day. Christians really seem to forget at times just how grievous all sins are. You believe it is just for a person who commits those crimes to receive death. But did you also know that a single lie is worthy of eternal condemnation? The measure you judge will be the measure your judged by. If you judge with justice, you may very well receive it yourself. But if you judge with mercy, mercy will be shown to you. Eternal life is not a free gift, it was paid for by the blood and sufferings of God himself in our stead. Do you remember what the Lord said on the cross? What greater crime is there than the killing of God? And yet, he said "Father forgive them." The servant is no greater than the master. We must also forgive.

I do know this. I realise that any sin is worthy of eternity in hell. So are you suggesting that we lock people up for 20 years who have lied? or are you suggesting we let the murderers off lighter? the fact of the matter is, that our punishment is a lot different than God's. God values all sin equally, we do not. If we did we would either have a ridiculously strict world, or a very relaxed even more chaotic world. As for your mercy talk. I'm not saying I don't forgive these people, cause I honestly do. But it doesn't matter if you're forgiven, your punishment still must be served. God can save me from my lies, but I still have to deal with the punishment that comes about me for lieing. So these murderers, I do forgive them, but their punishment is met. It's as simple as that.

 

[Maddog]

SO you asked me that something is "more" deserving than death. you are also putting your own opinion on this. Maybe to some of these people they would have rather died than have gone through what they went through. Yes my emotional opinion is that some of these crimes are worse than murder. But in your emotional opinion murder is worse than these. So either way it is a form of our opinions. They don't compare to you, but to others they might.

No, I'm talking about the objective, intrinsic value of human life. Justice must be fair and free of emotion. To lose one's life for any crime other than murder is disproportionate.

 

[andrew4]

I'm not saying I don't forgive these people, cause I honestly do. But it doesn't matter if you're forgiven, your punishment still must be served.

One simple yes or no statement. If the Jews brought before the Lord a murderer instead of an adulterer and asked if it was alright to proceed with the stoning, do you believe he would not have said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone,"but rather something like proceed?

 

[Cako53]

No, I'm talking about the objective, intrinsic value of human life. Justice must be fair and free of emotion. To lose one's life for any crime other than murder is disproportionate.

Okay, I get what you are saying now.