Capital Punishment

[Mayflower1]

There are four main reasons why I believe that the death penalty is a just punishment.

1. First, capital punishment is right because it is taught in the Bible.

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood is shed..." We are the image of God, and therefore it is for all people for all ages. This verse was written before the law so after the end of the law, this has been diminished.

Also, God has given the government augthorit to punish all who have done evil.

"it does not bear the swrod for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." Romans 13:4

2. Next, it is reasonable. - If someone takes the life of another, they should be put to death! I read this article that talked about a victim and how everyone pitied the murderer more then the victim. The victim had hopes and dreams also, a loving family possibly, an entire future ahead of them, and then on one day, it was ripped out of their hands. If someone plays God and takes their life away, then the government, as God's avenger has the right to do the same.

3. Capital Punishment is right because it acts as an effective deterrent to further crimes. - If the predator is dead, they can not kill...

4. Capital Punishment protects the innocent. - Very rarily will you find capital punishment given to an innocent person, because there are many procedures to go through, I think sometimes to many in some cases. It protects society a whole lot more....

 

[flicka]

If even one innocent person is put to death then it's safe to assume we, as a society, are not to be trusted with the death penalty no matter how biblical you think it is.

 

[Belk]

Hey Lily, good to talk to you again, hope everything is going well.

There are four main reasons why I believe that the death penalty is a just punishment.

1. First, capital punishment is right because it is taught in the Bible.

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood is shed..." We are the image of God, and therefore it is for all people for all ages. This verse was written before the law so after the end of the law, this has been diminished.

Also, God has given the government augthorit to punish all who have done evil.

"it does not bear the swrod for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." Romans 13:4

Being agonostic I can not speak to this point so I will leave this to other Christians.

2. Next, it is reasonable. - If someone takes the life of another, they should be put to death! I read this article that talked about a victim and how everyone pitied the murderer more then the victim. The victim had hopes and dreams also, a loving family possibly, an entire future ahead of them, and then on one day, it was ripped out of their hands. If someone plays God and takes their life away, then the government, as God's avenger has the right to do the same.

Yes, the victim had hopes and dreams. But killing their killer will not bring those back. It will simply destroy someone elses. I do not think the government should be put in the position of exacting vengance. Gods or anyone elses.

3. Capital Punishment is right because it acts as an effective deterrent to further crimes. - If the predator is dead, they can not kill...

This one I agree with.

4. Capital Punishment protects the innocent. - Very rarily will you find capital punishment given to an innocent person, because there are many procedures to go through, I think sometimes to many in some cases. It protects society a whole lot more....

This is the one that causes me to be against capital punishment in all but the most extreme of cases. No system of justice is %100. In the American legal system it has been proven to be quite a bit below that. Any risk of killing an innocent is to high in my opinion.

Don't get me wrong. I am not completly against capital punishment. However I believe it should be only for the most heinious of crimes. I think that some areas of the country use it as a tool for revenge, not deterance, and that I can not support.

 

[Robinsegg]

I agree with the death penalty under certain circumstances: Esp. those where the crime is videoed and the assailant is readily identifiable, or some such positive proof.

What I disagree with is that when such cases occur, the criminal (now properly convicted) is housed, clothed and entertained at the expense of the taxpayers while useless appeals are made. If we know beyond a shadow of a doubt (not a reasonable doubt) that the person did it, kill him and get it done with.

However, I would agree to ending the death penalty if we could expect years of hard labor (not something useless, but making lisence plates or something) to pay for his "room and board" or as part of repaying society. Right now, it seems that anything but the "lap of luxury" is considered "cruel and unusual punishment" by too many in the US.

Rachel

 

[Belk]

I agree with the death penalty under certain circumstances: Esp. those where the crime is videoed and the assailant is readily identifiable, or some such positive proof.

Agreed.

What I disagree with is that when such cases occur, the criminal (now properly convicted) is housed, clothed and entertained at the expense of the taxpayers while useless appeals are made. If we know beyond a shadow of a doubt (not a reasonable doubt) that the person did it, kill him and get it done with.

The only problem I can see with this is that now you have two classes of capital punishment. Those who we "Know beyond a shadow of a doubt" and those who we do not. Under our current system of law there is no classification for ceartinty. There is only the classification for reasonable doubt. To change that would be a major undertaking with many repercussions.

However, I would agree to ending the death penalty if we could expect years of hard labor (not something useless, but making lisence plates or something) to pay for his "room and board" or as part of repaying society. Right now, it seems that anything but the "lap of luxury" is considered "cruel and unusual punishment" by too many in the US.

Rachel

I'm not sure any maximum security prision can be considered in the "Lap of luxury" but I am not very conversant with any prison so I do not think I have enough knowladge to refute it. I do agree with the hard labor, as long as it is not as it once was where prisoners where basicly worked to death.

 

[Mrs.Sidhe]

I don't agree with the death penalty.

What good does it do to take another life when taking that life doens't bring the first person back to life?

It makes me angry that my son (who was killed by my ex) will never see his mommy again, or that he'll never go to school, or have any of the other memories that I thought he might have. It makes me so angry sometimes I shake and cry...it makes me angry that my ex will just serve out his sentence and then his life goes on, while I'll always have this hole in my heart that can never EVER be filled. My life has gone on, but its had to be started over and I have to look at things in a new way now. My ex really doesn't have to do that.

I still don't think my ex should die. What good would it do? And with some people you'll just give them what they want(as some people actually "want" to die)and some are sorry for what they have done.

I think God would have more mercy on someone than just to kill them outright.

If the death penalty was such a deterant there would be less crimes..no? I don't see that happening.

I would like to see how you justify the death penalty with the bible when you read what Jesus taught..or did you not quite understand the parts where (especially in The Lord's Prayer) we are taught to forgive out transgressors and to turn the other cheek.

It's really only mentioned in the OT, and that's mostly in the section with the Law, describing punishments for certain crimes. If you where caught with another man and you where a woman you could be put to death? Is that an offense worthy of the death penalty?

Just some things to think about..

 

[Robinsegg]

True, God set up the Death Penalty in the OT, and in conjunction with setting up a country out of a bunch of slaves. However, the death penalty is also included in the post-Flood time when animals who killed people were put to death, and something similar for men who killed people.

Otoh, we have Cain who was forced to live a wandering existence away from his parents, the land he knew, and w/o his livelihood.

It's an interesting question. If we can prove a person has done it, I can see a case for the death penalty. Life in prison is okay, too . . . if they have to work for it and aren't simply given cable tv, all the books they want (they even want porn there), and three squares a day for doing nothing in return.

Rachel

 

[rambot]

first off...you can forget about "just" punishment.
Relations of victims will never EVER feel that a punishment is just; it is a frailty in our coding.
The ONLY way to deal with an offender is to forgive them... like them Amish folk did.
It is by FAR the hardest thing to do but frankly, I can't think of a better way of dealing with the pain.
Now, on to the post.

1. First, capital punishment is right because it is taught in the Bible.

a) Well, someone seems to forget Jesus', slightly more famous "turn the other cheek" quote (also, slightly more applicable to us Christians since it is, after all, JESUS speaking).
b) The Bible says the government should punish "evil"? That is about as liberal as you could get with that interpretation.
i. what is "evil"? Is "breaking the law" evil? No
ii. Where does it say "government"? It only talks of a "minister of God"....and let's face it, the day a government could be confused with a "minister of God" is the day that people live in the centre of the earth.

2. Next, it is reasonable. -

a) Reasonable is in the eye of the beholder.
b) What is reasonable about killing someone as a form of justice?
c) See beginning of post

3. Capital Punishment is right because it acts as an effective deterrent to further crimes. - If the predator is dead, they can not kill...

In fact, very little research is needed to know that the EXACT OPPOSITE is true. Find an unbiased site and view the FACTS: Death penalty states have hire incarceration AND murders than non death penalty states.
It's a quaint idea...it's just wrong.

4. Capital Punishment protects the innocent

That hingest on 3. being correct. And it isn't. So it doesn't.

 

[Robinsegg]

People often quote the "turn the other cheek" passage w/o realizing it is for individuals, not governments.

Paul has a teaching that the government doesn't carry a sword for nothing and that miscreants should fear that sword.

Rachel

 

[rambot]

So then, the very REAL question is: What does that "sword" imply? Why does it imply death?
Why not simply "punishment" in general terms?

 

[joey444]

There are four main reasons why I believe that the death penalty is a just punishment.

1. First, capital punishment is right because it is taught in the Bible.

Atheist, not gonna touch it.

2. Next, it is reasonable. - If someone takes the life of another, they should be put to death!

Killing one person doesn't bring back the other, I would call it more barbaric than justified.

3. Capital Punishment is right because it acts as an effective deterrent to further crimes. - If the predator is dead, they can not kill...

Of course, jail doesn't do that at all. I'm sure there aren't any jails with lots of security... like Maxium security. Sure, let's just kill them.

4. Capital Punishment protects the innocent.

It doesn't matter if it's rare that you killed an innocent man, you still killed an innocent man.

 

[faithgoeson]

My husband and the father of my children was murdered. There was a time when my grief was fresh that I wanted the death penalty. Of course, our murder wasn't considered horrible enough to qualify for it in our state. That is the case most of the time. As I saw this young man drug off to face most of his adult life in prison, however, I almost felt sorry for him. His entire life will be destroyed by this one sin he acted upon. My husband, Lord bless him, is in Heaven. The victims are those of us who are still here missing him. Honestly, I think living most of your life in prison knowing you killed someone is just punishment. I don't believe he should ever be allowed out of prison, but I have no control over that. Killing him would be an easy way out. He would die, and then never really pay for what he's done to us. If he went to Hell, I supposed he'd pay. But, if he's forgiven and saved by the blood of Jesus, He'll go on to Heaven too. People get saved in prison all the time. I hope he does get to know Jesus some day, but death would just be too light of a sentence then. He doesn't deserve to go to Heaven until he's spent a good deal of time on Earth paying for what he did to my little babies. They never did anything to deserve to lose their daddy. The death penalty is a wimp's way out. It's just like when someone does a murder-suicide. They never face up to what they really did.

 

[mcart909]

Anyone who supports the death penalty lacks the spirit of Christ within him/her. I feel very strongly about this.

 

[flicka]

Faithgoeson,
That is horrible! I am so sorry for what you and your family has gone through! And I'm glad your faith has helped you deal with this tragedy. I honestly don't know how I would deal with things were I in your shoes.

 

[coyoteBR]

There are four main reasons why I believe that the death penalty is a just punishment.

1. First, capital punishment is right because it is taught in the Bible.

Genesis 9:6 "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood is shed..." We are the image of God, and therefore it is for all people for all ages. This verse was written before the law so after the end of the law, this has been diminished.

Also, God has given the government augthorit to punish all who have done evil.

"it does not bear the swrod for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil." Romans 13:4

But Jesus Said "You've heard about one eye for an eye; but I tell you to give the other cheeck, to forgive 70 x 7 and to love your neighbour like yourself."

2. Next, it is reasonable. - If someone takes the life of another, they should be put to death! I read this article that talked about a victim and how everyone pitied the murderer more then the victim. The victim had hopes and dreams also, a loving family possibly, an entire future ahead of them, and then on one day, it was ripped out of their hands. If someone plays God and takes their life away, then the government, as God's avenger has the right to do the same.

No, it's not reasonable. It's not even justice, it's more like vengeance.
It's not up to us, falibel humans, to put a value of worthiness on anyone. We are all Sons of God, we are all here, alive, for a reason. no one has the right to shorten other human being existence. Be it thru unjustified abortion, euthanasia, death penalty or lack of charity. Human life is sacred. Period.

3. Capital Punishment is right because it acts as an effective deterrent to further crimes. - If the predator is dead, they can not kill...

... Or may gave the perpretator an excuse to eliminate the withness, too.

4. Capital Punishment protects the innocent. - Very rarily will you find capital punishment given to an innocent person, because there are many procedures to go through, I think sometimes to many in some cases. It protects society a whole lot more....

So does puting the person on prision for decades. And the society doesn't shed more blood.

 

[Mayflower1]

My husband and the father of my children was murdered. There was a time when my grief was fresh that I wanted the death penalty. Of course, our murder wasn't considered horrible enough to qualify for it in our state. That is the case most of the time. As I saw this young man drug off to face most of his adult life in prison, however, I almost felt sorry for him. His entire life will be destroyed by this one sin he acted upon. My husband, Lord bless him, is in Heaven. The victims are those of us who are still here missing him. Honestly, I think living most of your life in prison knowing you killed someone is just punishment. I don't believe he should ever be allowed out of prison, but I have no control over that. Killing him would be an easy way out. He would die, and then never really pay for what he's done to us. If he went to Hell, I supposed he'd pay. But, if he's forgiven and saved by the blood of Jesus, He'll go on to Heaven too. People get saved in prison all the time. I hope he does get to know Jesus some day, but death would just be too light of a sentence then. He doesn't deserve to go to Heaven until he's spent a good deal of time on Earth paying for what he did to my little babies. They never did anything to deserve to lose their daddy. The death penalty is a wimp's way out. It's just like when someone does a murder-suicide. They never face up to what they really did.

Faith, that was a very horrible thing that has happened, but I am very encouraged to hear how you are handling it. It is so important to forgive.

 

[Mayflower1]

Anyone who supports the death penalty lacks the spirit of Christ within him/her. I feel very strongly about this.

Salvation is based on grace, on Jesus Christ alone. I am a sinner and I am not perfect, I admit that. That is an unfair judgement on your part though.

For one thing, Hell is a death penalty also, when the unrighteous die a second death. God is not unjust, He could have sent all of us if He chose.

Capital Punishment can be thought of in the same way. Anyone who takes a person's life away shouldn't be allowed to live, but grace is not wrong. I am not against the government having grace on the murderers allowing them to live. I believe it should be in effect though, because then murder is taken more serious. We took Christ's life, because of our sin, yet God has grace on those who believe in Him.

Those who do not regret what they have done, agreeing with their sin, shouldn't they be put to death?

 

[Mrs.Sidhe]

first off...you can forget about "just" punishment.
Relations of victims will never EVER feel that a punishment is just; it is a frailty in our coding.
The ONLY way to deal with an offender is to forgive them... like them Amish folk did.
It is by FAR the hardest thing to do but frankly, I can't think of a better way of dealing with the pain.

The rest of your post was very well put but I do have several concerns about this particular part.

Firstly, how is it a weakness to not feel a punishment is just? I do not happen to feel that my ex received a long enough prison sentence, but I hardly call that weak or some frailty in my genetic coding. To assume this I feel is rather unfair. I wonder if you would really tell this to someone whose relative had been murdered and if you where really going to be ready for the response you would get. I'm sorry if I am taking this the wrong way, but this is simply how it comes across to me.

Secondly, are you saying that the prison system should be done away with and people must be forced to forgive someone because you think its the only thing to do? (please realize not everyone is able to do that--for whatever reason) Do you not think some form of punishment or forced rehabilitation should be put into effect?

Third and lastly, just because you can't think of another way to constructively deal with the pain doesn't mean there isn't any other way. I will not lie I've tried to forgive my ex over and over again, but find that I simply cannot. I have delt with the pain through starting my life over and moving on. Time doesn't really heal wounds but it does have a way of making the pain less so that you can deal with it on a day to day basis. Forgiving someone doesn't magically make the pain go away and make everything better.

I hope you don't take offense to what I say, but this is how I felt about the above quoted part of your post.

 

[Silent Bob]

Those who do not regret what they have done, agreeing with their sin, shouldn't they be put to death?

And who are you to judge not only who is guilty of what sin but also if they are not regreting and if they agree with their sin?

 

[non-religious]

[lily00]Salvation is based on grace, on Jesus Christ alone. I am a sinner and I am not perfect, I admit that. That is an unfair judgement on your part though.

For one thing, Hell is a death penalty also, when the unrighteous die a second death. God is not unjust, He could have sent all of us if He chose.

Capital Punishment can be thought of in the same way. Anyone who takes a person's life away shouldn't be allowed to live, but grace is not wrong. I am not against the government having grace on the murderers allowing them to live. I believe it should be in effect though, because then murder is taken more serious. We took Christ's life, because of our sin, yet God has grace on those who believe in Him.

Those who do not regret what they have done, agreeing with their sin, shouldn't they be put to death?

And let us not forget that killing killers has drastically cut the murder rate in those states that permit the death penalty as well as put to death a few pesky innocent people, but then who cares about them?

I mean why on earth shouldn't someone be murdered if they don't acknowledge their evil sins? Justice must be seen to be done, even if that justice is horrendously racist, carried out on criminals that committed their offences whilst minors or worst still the mentally ill. Yep good old fashoined capital punishment works every time

Wish I lived in Texas.........