[torqemada]

"Anti-death penalty here, too.
I couldn't reconcile it with my faith."

That tends to happen with folks whose Bible only has 1 Book - the New Testament. Good idea to read the whole Canon of our Faith. You might find that reconciliation you need.

[truthchaser]

My Bible has 27 books of the New Testament, much of which refutes the old eye-for-an-eye doctrine. I know I'm in the minority here well. It is exceedingly difficult, but I too cannot reconcile this judgment with my understanding and practice of Christ's teachings.

[spitlana]

Check out the New Testament Book of Revelation--when judgment begins on earth. This too is Jesus, merciful AND bringing final justice. When the innocent are slaughtered, it is a loving God that vindicates them.

[Aquinasfan]

That tends to happen with folks whose Bible only has 1 Book - the New Testament. Good idea to read the whole Canon of our Faith. You might find that reconciliation you need.

I think the death penalty can be reconciled with the New Testament. Jesus urged soldiers not to abuse their authority, but He didn't condemn soldiers for being soldiers, for using the ultimate force in defending citizens from aggression.

This principle can be extended to justify protecting society from murderers, who can reasonably be expected to kill again, by putting them to death.

The pope has recently stated that in nations where it is possible to lock murderers safely away for life, without their representing a threat to kill again, that this option is preferable to the death penalty. This is a reasonable, prudential argument, but one that doesn't contradict the legitimacy of the death penalty in principle.

[newcats]

That tends to happen with folks whose Bible only has 1 Book - the New Testament. Good idea to read the whole Canon of our Faith. You might find that reconciliation you need.

Great...Thanks...Now I can go out and buy me some slaves!!
And before you start, I guess it is okay to just pick and choose the parts of the OT that corrospond with yourpoint of view.