Matthew 7:1 & Capital Punishment ("Judge not??)
John 8:3-11 & Capital Punishment
Biblical Verses on Capital Punishment
Matthew 5:43-48 & Capital Punishment
Paul 12:14-19 & Capital Punishment
God's Justice and Ours [Antonin Scalia on capital punishment]
PING
In the Old Testament the Mosaic Law specifies no less than thirty–six capital offenses calling for execution by stoning, burning, decapitation, or strangulation. Included in the list are idolatry, magic, blasphemy, violation of the sabbath, murder, adultery, bestiality, pederasty, and incest.Color me cynical, but the omission of same-sex sodomy from a list of OT capital offenses is too PC for my taste.
In light of all this it seems safe to conclude that the death penalty is not in itself a violation of the right to life.Bump.
Mmmmm. Don't know if I agree with that assertion. It also has to be stated that it is a sentence that is imposed only rarely.
I was surprised that the Cardinal didn't reference John 8:3-11 ( the woman in adultery ) when citing scripture.
It's interesting that Cardinal Dulles points out that it is religious believers that are most supportive of the death penalty, when one might assume that religionists, particularly Christians, would be more favorable to applications of mercy than in retribution. I also think it interesting that conservatives, those most inclined to limit the power of the state, seem to be more in favor of granting the state the ultimate power over individuals.
I think the reference to Romans 13 is problematic for Christian conservatives as well. It would be interesting to have Cardinal Dulles, or even Paul himself explain how obedience to secular authority is the proper course of action in the instances, and examples in history are legion, when that authority was truly evil. It would appear to be a condemnation, as well, of those in history who have defied authority, including our very own founding fathers.
By giving in to a perverse spirit of vindictiveness or a morbid attraction to the gruesome, the courts contribute to the degradation of the culture, replicating the worst features of the Roman Empire in its period of decline.
Here, Cardinal Dulles makes a keen observation. The bloodlust of death penalty proponents is painfully obvious in most publicized cases and seems to be the motivating factor that undermines any attempt to attain a proper good. Instead, it inculcates the vice of revenge, which is diametrically opposed to Our Lord's insistence to turn one's cheek, give up the cloak when one's coat is taken, go two miles when forced to go one. It ignores Christian magnanimity and instead attempts to impose an exact and precise equality, an Old Testament solution that was revoked by Our Lord, and even an attempt to create an instant kharma.
I think that Cardinal Dulles is wise to oppose the death penalty and I respect his desire to, by example, obey the magesterium of the church.
In light of the word of God, and thus of faith, life—all human life—is sacred and untouchable. No matter how heinous the crimes . . . [the criminal] does not lose his fundamental right to life, for it is primordial, inviolable, and inalienable, and thus comes under the power of no one whatsoever.
Cardinal Dulles calls this a tempting simplicity, and perhaps that is its appeal for me, but it also seems so Christian, so American, so conservative, and so descriptive of a pro-life mentality, that its rejection would be unfathomable.
Thanks for the good post.