Religion & The death penalty
I just wanted to open up the idea of being a religious or spiritual person and supporting the death penalty. I would like to hear how that fits into beliefs and morality in your life.
I know from my beliefs and spirituality being rooted in Christianity, but also being well informed and positively effected by many forms of spirituality i find that the concept of murdering is in no way justified and definitely not encouraged. I am certainly able to see that there are attitudes that are not quite as pacifistic as mine. I do know that there are very effective peaceful methods to effect opposition and oppression. Being a believer in pacifism or peace does not require you to sit back and do nothing. That is apathy and often a misguided argument against people who are against war and violence. It is not a clear cut stance and i know that in human situations we would most of us find ourselves reacting in a manner best fitted to defend ourselves. It does seem quite obvious to me certainly from the Christian tradition that the idea of killing in retaliation is taught against. I think something like thou shalt not kill and love thine enemy are starting points.
June 24, 2008 at 11:44 pm
do not confuse the words ‘kill’ and ‘murder’. killing is a very broad term, whereas murder is exclusive to premeditated, unjustified actions.
‘thou shall not kill’ is better translated ‘thou shall not murder’. the death penalty should be reserved for those who commit especially heinous crimes (rape/tuture/murder of a child).
“I do know that there are very effective peaceful methods to effect opposition and oppression.” please explain….???
June 25, 2008 at 12:41 am
But although “thou shall not kill” can also be translated as “thou shall not murder”,therefore somewhat justifying the death penalty, there is also the christian belief that humans are not the ones to judge. It’s law to lock someone up, but true justice is believed to be God’s job, not humans’.
June 25, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I am afraid to say that the death penalty is murder, premeditated, taking of a life. Not in defense, not under attack, with alternatives, plain and simple decision to kill someone in retaliation for something they did. It is from a spiritual point of view unjustifiable. I admit that from a humanistic, emotional stand point it is understandable but my crunch comes with the religious zealots who are also supporters of the death penalty.