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"This is a very interesting discussion. It never occurred to me that an atheist would be against the death penalty... I always assumed that people against the death penalty were misguided Christan's who were interpreting the bible improperly."

Thanks for following the discussion. Despite many folks' opinions, atheists very often have very strong ethical foundations, based on thoughtful study.

The Bible is difficult to interpret in cases like capital punishment. You can find clear arguments to make on either side in the Scriptures. Hence, we have a Roman Catholic Church, among other denominations, with the opinion that capital punishment is not a good thing. Other denominations have exactly the opposite position.

There really isn't any unified "Christian" point of view regarding capital punishment. It's a difficult question.

Question is only difficult for those who don't like the plain answer - and yes, the answer is very plain.

The core of the faith is that He took exactly that punishment for us - and did not question the validity of that punishment.

Fascinating discussion here...been following it sporadically today..

I have very mixed feelings about the death penalty..was squarely against it for years- then wholeheartedly for it. Now I'm not so sure..

Even so- I'm kinda proud of Arnold- he followed the law in California- AND he took a personal interest in this- he learned about the case- testimony etc before he decided.

If The Ninth Circuit couldn't find an out - there isn't one.