I have had some e-mails and PM's regarding yesterdays blog concerning captital punishment. The one comment left here brings up the arena of the Holy bible and questions whether i believe "GOD" is a sinner or whether Paul covered this topic in detail.
So the question at hand would be--how can the Bible enlighten this profound dilemma?
Often we hear the Bible quoted as a justification for capital punishment: "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (from Leviticus 24:20; also Exodus 21:24). This follows a more direct passage: "Whoever takes the life of any human being shall be put to death" (Leviticus 24:17).
Numerous problems, however, arise from such an appeal to Scripture. Those who emphasize these passages conveniently ignore other similar passages in which death is decreed for one who works on the sabbath (Exodus 31:15) or for one who curses one's parent (Exodus 21:17) or even for a rebellious teenager (Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
More significant problems exist, including the proper understanding and interpretation of both texts and contexts. The well-known "eye for eye" passage was originally intended to limit violence by reducing the escalation of violence. In {Matthew 5:38-42}, Jesus disallows even that limited violence. This example reminds us that culture and historical setting influenced the biblical texts and that some biblical passages reflect an earlier moral perspective no longer acceptable.
Let us take another biblical passage that all of us are intimately familiar with. It is commonly referred to as "The Lords Prayer". It is found in Matthew 6 and let us dwell on verse 12--"and forgive us our depts as we forgive our deptors". what was our Lord thinking when he said that? To forgive! Yes--our Lord Jesus christ taught forgiveness throughout his life. Turn now to {Mark 10:45}. Jesus himself states that he has not come to be served but to give his life for the ransom of many. Once again his teaching concerns forgiveness.
My church has spoken out repeatedly against the death penalty--but in actuality nobody can speak for you or me when it comes to our personal values and application of faith in our daily lives. I personally believe in the dignity and value of the human life. It is why I so object to wars between nations and why I object to socities war against the individual who commits crimes and end up executed at the hands of society. I have chosen to emulate my Lord Jesus Christ in my life to the best of my ability. This requires that I respect the sancity of life--not because my church or others insist--but because I follow the example of my Savior. I must drop everything of human nature and take on the aspects of divine traits if I am to follow him as he commanded. Love, forgiveness, turning my cheek, humility, compassion, wisdom, and understanding are all traits that lead to divine justice here on earth.
I know that I can find passages within scripture to justify evil as well as good. Evil in the sense of taking anothers life for revenge sake cloaked however I may to resemble punishment. I will leave the punishment of death to "GOD" while living and teaching my Saviors Beatitudes found in Matthew 5 and remembering the parable of the weeds in {Matthew 13:24-30}. I recognize that evil exists and I'm content in removing those expressing it to prison and allowing "GOD" to separate the weeds at harvest time.
This is an emotional topic Yodi, but I do believe that Love and Forgiveness will win in the end. By the wagging tail it appears you agree.
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5 comments:
Are you saying because of a different culture, than the one that existed when the Scriptures were written, that one need not now believe and obey them, or that one can pick and choose the Scriptures that they wish to obey. More important than how one may feel is what is written in the Scriptures; contextually.
There is a vast difference in being forgiven for a sin and being held responsible for the crime and damage committed. If one kill another, who is in the position to forgive the murderer since the one killed is no longer living, can you forgive the crimes committed against another? Can you forgive the sins committed against another? Can the dead stand in your confessional and plead for the life of his/her murderer? God has ordained the governmental powers to address these matters.
You must realize that each has their role and place in life and God has established governments to be His agents to keep good order in societies and that they are His "ordained ministers" just as much, or more so, as those who claim to be ordained ministers of His Son's gospel,or of their respective churches.
There is a reason for the seperation of the powers, i.e. physical and spiritual. It is the role of the spiritual to teach and encourage people to serve God and it is the role of the physical to provide good order in the socities over which they rule. God has ordained for the latter to be His "minister to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:4
The sword is not for decoration.
The problem concerning the death penalty exist when some in the church try to manage the affairs which belong to the higher powers,i.e. governments. In fact the Scriptures teach, "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resiseth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damanation." Romans 13:1-2
The church needs to attend its own affairs and the government needs to attend its own affairs; they both are ordained of God. Can they both get along?
quote:
"You must realize that each has their role and place in life and God
has established governments to be His agents to keep good order in
societies and that they are His "ordained ministers" just as much, or more
so, as those who claim to be ordained ministers of His Son's gospel,or
of their respective churches."
Of course I realize this. But I'm also painfully aware of the fact
that governments error and when they do--{as I believe in the case of the
death penalty}--it is up to me and you to follow the teachings of our
Savior. To emulate him. His lessons are taught throughout the bible and
emphasized through the teachings of tradition and church authority.
All life is sacred. I'm not opposed to punishment but I am opposed to
the taking of human life when there are other means available to
accomplish removing the wolves from the flock.
What is the purpose of the sword if criminals are only to be imprisoned? Is it for intimidation? The fear factor will wear off very soon if it is not used and criminals will become even more emboldened.
Does not church authorities also error? Is it proper for the higher power of government to tell the church how to run its affairs? Is it proper for the church to tell the higher power of government how to run its business? These are two separate institution founded by God, they each need to see to their own affairs.
This is an old problem among the Roman Catholic church that keeps rearing its ugly head ever since the pope first declared authority over the state during the Roman government in the 5th century. Even to this day the current pope sits at the head of his own earthly government (the Vatican)not willing to be subject to the higher power as taught by the apostle of Jesus.
Well obviously we disagree on these points.
The church does not interfer with matters of sovereign rule as you suggest. Each state has a right to choose capital punishment. Not many do in present times --but a few such as the United States still prescribe to it.
As far as the death penalty being a matter of intimidation--i disagree with that point too. If you review the underlying causes of crime you will find socilogical problems that lead the are present when somebody commits murder.
They don't consider the death penalty until they are faced with it.
It appears you believe the church in some way interferes with a societies right to rule itself. The church will offer advice to leaders--but is concerned with being the shepard of individuals in matters of faith and morals-- not foreignz countries.
Does the pope subject himself to the higher power of government? Or does he sit as the head of the higher power?
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