I find it difficult why you would accept the CONCEPT of a me paying with money if I kill your dog (which represents real loss to me..., as money is a representation of my time and life and energy..., it is just a tangible representation of those), and recoil from the idea of me paying with my life when I brutally and wantonly murder your wife and children (ok, I admit I am going for the emotional jugular). Once we move past the concept of me suffering (even if it is just the idea of losing a tangible representation of part of my life), then I don't see why one would recoil from paying IN my person, if the crime is heinous enough.
Again, I believe it it because we anthromorphize God, or in the words of the Psalmist, God charges that "You thought I was just like you are." Our visions of justice are caught up in the hate, vengful petty recriminations that *I* would do to you if you make me mad enough. The idea that justice can call for a penalty and that a being would not "lose his temper" is foreign to us. It is, however, the biblical portrayal of God.
Let me take a detour here and say I have to go for right now (I have to go make some money, ha ha) , but I have seldom had as enjoyable a conversation about these kind of things on the internet as this one. Both of you have been very kind, gracious, and a delight to talk with. You have my sincere thanks.
Uhmm... that's not quite what I said. If you were to kill my family or friends I'd have absolutely no problem with putting you to death - quite the contrary.
What I wanted to say is that if I accept a material compensation for a transgression committed against me (i.e. damaged my car), I don't mind who pays me or does some useful work I value (like painting my house).
On the other hand in your example I won't accept any substitution for the real culprit and as far as I know, neither does any western justice system.
You have my sincere thanks.
And I thank you ;)