Misuse of Bible blamed for US death penalty culture (Christian culture of death- ha)

ekklesia ^ | 12-04-05

[emiller]

Human rights and church groups have joined the international outcry over the death penalty after murderer Kenneth Lee Boyd became the thousandth American prisoner to be executed since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976.

But experts also say that “unwavering belief in retribution” based on the selective interpretation of biblical texts by Christian fundamentalists is part of what keeps the “state killing culture” alive.

In spite of a record 105 countries choosing to abolish capital punishment, America has continued to embrace it, accounting for most of the world's known executions, along with China, Iran and Vietnam.

[emiller]

If only we didn't have that pesky Bible, we could have a John Lennon-type utopia... (sarcasm end)

[ExpatGator]

I wonder what this crack-head would blame my support of the death penalty on? My unwavering agnosticism?

[militant2]

The only 100% guaranteed method of preventing further commission of crime......how in the world can anyone argue with that? Militant

[Antonello]

So how do they account for people like me who support the death penalty without basing my reasons on the Bible?

[wolfpat]

While the American rate is down from recent years, it is still among the highest in the world, showing that the death penalty is no deterrent, say critics.
Nobody who has had the death penalty carried out against them has ever committed another murder. That's deterrent enough.

[Spok]

How about an unwavering belief that dead people don't kill people?

[GunsareOK]

I agree with China's death penalty policy at least for common criminals. There are at least 1,000 every year who deserve execution here.

[Khepera]

showing that the death penalty is no deterrent.

I like to point out to these a$$hats that the death penalty is the ONLY thing keeping me from killing them.

[kentj]

Well at least we can agree about something (sarc off)

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Bad ol' fundamentalists again.

[ozoneliar]

In spite of a record 105 countries choosing to abolish capital punishment

So what? If X jumped off a cliff would you? Why should internal US policy be dictated by other countries?

I suppose a better idea would be to keep prisoner incarcerted indefinitely at taxpayer expense?

[RightWhale]

Confusing religion and state. Common enough, but America is not Europe or the Middle East, so forget it. Besides, Christianity is a NT thing, and the OT is fulfilled and chapter closed.

[evad]

A million murders but only 1,000 executions.

I 'd say we've got some catchin' up to do.

[Logophile]

But experts also say that “unwavering belief in retribution” based on the selective interpretation of biblical texts by Christian fundamentalists is part of what keeps the “state killing culture” alive.

Strange, the article refers to the "selective interpretation of Biblical texts," but does not actually give any examples. In fact, it does not quote the Bible at all.

[kittymyrib]

When you can't blame Bush, you can always blame God. "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 he will commend you. For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoes. (Romans 13:3,4)

[RoadTest]

I LOVE it!

[RoadTest]

Good for yopu. Because you are right!

[CGTRWK]

Perhaps if the Bible were taken a bit more seriously by the US murderous thug culture we wouldn't need to execute so many of them.

[carlr]

While the American rate is down from recent years, it is still among the highest in the world, showing that the death penalty is no deterrent, say critics.

Deterrence is an unprovable side effect.To know how many have been deterred one must poll all non capital offenders and have them admit they would have committed a capital crime if not for the possibility of execution.
The way those opposed to capital punishment want to use the numbers would mean that since prison time of any kind did not deter those inside from committing a crime,prison should be abolished(probably what they believe anyways).

A strawman arguement.

[Tim Long]

What this guy doesn't realize is that there are many fans of the Bible that are also fans of 'Tallica.