Tangle writes:
It seems to be something fundamental Christians are often fond of. I've never worked that one out - wwjd? is apparently an invalid question. All very old testament.
For what it’s worth here is my opinion as a Christian.
Previously I supported the death penalty for those who had committed the most heinous of crimes. We have some serial killers in Canada for which there is irrefutable evidence of horrific killings committed by these men. My view was that they had forfeited their right to life, and frankly I still hold that view, but I don’t see it as being up to us to carry out the sentencing.
In actually studying the Christian message I have come to another conclusion.
Paul writes this in 1 Corinthians Chap 4.
quote:
3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 6 Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 7 For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?
Onifre used as an example John Wayne Gacy of someone deserving of execution and provided a link to read about Gacy. When you read that link and review the story of his life it is hard not to wonder how I might have turned out if I had grown up in similar abusive de-humanizing circumstances, instead of the loving environment that I did experience.
Yes, Gacy should be removed from society for the protection of society but I see no benefit to society in his execution.
My primary reason for opposing capital punishment though is this. IMHO the fundamental desire of God for our lives is that we have hearts that love sacrificially and unselfishly. It isn’t so much our actions but about the fundamental desire of our hearts. I believe that we establish a trajectory in our lives towards either self love or unselfish love. Our actions our not only an outcome of the desires of our heart but they also establish and reinforce those desires.
On an individual level, we as a society are asking someone to carry out the execution on our behalf. I am concerned about what this does to the heart of the executioner. It can only harden his/her heart in the taking of another life in such a pre-meditated way. It also concerns me as to what it does to us as individuals, and as a society, when we take satisfaction out of seeing the sentence carried out.
I believe in an ultimate justice by a loving God who gave us existence in the first place. I’m personally content to leave it up to Him. Yes, we need a justice system and prisons for the protection of society but I believe that it is not in the best interests of our society to allow that justice system to take a human life. I believe that it hardens the hearts of us as individuals and as a society.
Edited by GDR, : No reason given.
He has told you, O man, what is good ; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8
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