Death Penalty

[Tinky]

I was watching the news this evening and they were discussing whether Jodi Arias should get the death penalty for her crime.

My question is: Do you support the death penalty for certain crimes? Could you give the reasons why you support it or not?

Thanks in advance!

[Guest ninhao]

My head says yes to the death penalty because some people exhibit no remorse for the evil they have committed.

2Pe 2:12-14 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; (13) And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; (14) Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:

My heart says no

Rom 3:23-26 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (24) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (25) Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (26) To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

[wingnut-]

Most of my life I supported the death penalty, I'm not so certain anymore. I think it is justified in some instances, I remember a recent news event where a young man had killed 20 people or so (I think in Illinois), and following his sentencing he taunted the victims families. I don't think anyone capable of such behavior can be rehabilitated, this is pure evil. Another side of me says, he's so young, maybe his heart can change over time.

The fact is, if I were sitting on a jury in a capital case, I'm not sure I could bring myself to vote for extinguishing a life.

[ayin jade]

This trial is in arizona. Based on certain recent events of the last few years, I no longer favor the death penalty in arizona. Here's why.

A few years ago, a muslim from another country living in Phoenix decided his daughter was too americanized and he ran her over and killed her.

The prosecuting attorney decided he should not get the death penalty because HE WAS MUSLIM. Yes that is what the attorney said. Because he was muslim and acting within his culture even though this is the usa, he should not get the death penalty. Since I feel that is unfairly favoring foreigners above american citizens, I am against the death penalty in arizona.

There have been other cases in which mexican citizens have been granted a waiver of the death penalty within the us because mexico doesnt have the death penalty, even though the crimes and trials were in the us. Our government is supporting mercy towards non citizens and favors the death penalty against us citizens. That is not right.

[RedMomma]

I used to be all for it yet like jadey I'd have to agree if our country wont give foreigners the death penalty for heinous crimes in our country then they should not do to our own people, Im not saying dont punish the criminals Im saying whats good for the goose is good for the gander in my own personal opininon.

[Guest HisG]

Does the NT make allowances for humans to kill each other?

This is a sincere question - if so, where is it found in the NT?

[Guest man]

Does the NT make allowances for humans to kill each other?

This is a sincere question - if so, where is it found in the NT?

No.

Romans 12

¹⁷ Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.

¹⁸ If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

¹⁹ Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.

²⁰ Therefore

“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;

If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

[desi2007]

YES, I do believe in death penalty.

Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Isaiah 56:1

Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. Psalm 106:3

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern. Proverbs 29:7

[Tinky]

I'm for Capitol Punishment because I believe it's supported by the Bible. God was the one who instituted the death penalty for certain crimes in the Old Testament, and used government to carry it out.

And it's clear in the New Testament that God has given authority to government to carry out the death penalty to punish criminals.

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.The authorities that exist have been established by God.Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience." (Romans 13:1-5 NIV)

To "bear the sword" is to kill.

[Mcgyver]

Does the NT make allowances for humans to kill each other?

This is a sincere question - if so, where is it found in the NT?

As Tinky posted above, the answer is "yes"...however it should be remembered that this passage speaks to instituted governments and the authority they have to govern, as well as the Christian's responsibility to be "good citizens" as it were; and not to individual actions against another.

Having said that...I don't have a problem with the death penalty in principle, however (along with others here) I do have a problem with the equitable application of said penalty.