Should christians believe in the death penalty?

[ronharvey]

Originally Posted by Timmy

So, you folks really don't believe in prayer! Amazing!

When it comes to the context of the humor listed in the context of the conversation:

Yes, we do; "Lord, keep my aim true; Amen"

Ron

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by ronharvey

When it comes to the context of the humor listed in the context of the conversation:

Yes, we do; "Lord, keep my aim true; Amen"

Ron

[Withdrawn]

Still no scripture study or discussion?!

[meBNme]

Originally Posted by jaamez

Still no scripture study or discussion?!

The problem is, you are making it a "Should Christians advocate murder" issue.
You are seeing it as an"Should Christians be willing to send someone to hell" issue.

In that light, we should be discussing scripture and its stand on it.

However, in my opinion, as I stated above, we are looking at it incorrectly here.
It is more an issue of Should Christians be willing to take whatever steps necessary to protect and defend those who they have responsibility for.

Now, some say we should simply trust God for protection and preservation.
However repeatedly in the Bible we find that God expects US to do all we can first, then he steps in and takes up our slack. Event he plan of salvation. He requires US to repent, he requires US to be baptised. He requires US to live a holy life. Then GOD steps in and provides the supernatural, that which is beyond our means to perform. HE gives us the Holy Ghost, HE gives us power to overcome.

Well, he also requires us to do what is in our ability for protection and preservation of ourselves and loved ones. Then he provides what we cannot.

The death penalty if used properly, is nothing but permanently preventing repeat offenders, and unrepentant criminals of life destroying crimes from ever doing it again.

It has been presented here as if the Death penalty is taking away their choice and sending them to hell.
THEY MADE THEIR CHOICE when they committed the crime.
They made their choice when they chose not to repent and change.
We have a responsibility to to others to ensure that the criminal can never again take away a law abiding citizens choice to live, to be saved.

What of the mother jogging in the park who is raped and killed?
What about HER choice, and chance at salvation?

Are we to allow unrepentant and repeat offending criminals who are in the very act of the crime MAKING THEIR CHOICE, to rob others of THEIR choice, and chance at salvation?

We have a responsibility to stop them. By whatever means necessary.

[meBNme]

Originally Posted by Timmy

So, you folks really don't believe in prayer! Amazing!

Apsolutely! We pray before we leave the house, we pray throughout the day, we pray before bed.

But I will admit, if I am ever in a situation similar to the one described in the joke, I most likely will not ask the thug who is attempting bodily injury or murder to pause for a moment while I pray.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by meBNme

Apsolutely! We pray before we leave the house, we pray throughout the day, we pray before bed.

But I will admit, if I am ever in a situation similar to the one described in the joke, I most likely will not ask the thug who is attempting bodily injury or murder to pause for a moment while I pray.

How long does an effectual, fervent prayer have to take?

[tstew]

What is God's view if someone takes somebody's live via the death penalty and that person was actually innocent of the charges? Is anyone held responsible for an unjust killing?

[meBNme]

Is the effectual fervent prayer made before leaving the house not good enough?

Within seven yards, 21 feet, a criminal with a knife can plant it into his targets main body mass in less than one half second.

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by meBNme

Is the effectual fervent prayer made before leaving the house not good enough?

Within seven yards, 21 feet, a criminal with a knife can plant it into his targets main body mass in less than one half second.

Well. You tell me. My contention (as I've said in other posts) is that prayer is rarely, if ever, effectual. It almost seems that you are agreeing with that contention.

[meBNme]

Originally Posted by tstew

What is God's view if someone takes somebody's live via the death penalty and that person was actually innocent of the charges? Is anyone held responsible for an unjust killing?

Like I have siad before, I believe that the manner in which the DP is currently administered is very wrong, and filled with problems.
It should be reformed.

IF USED PROPERLY, the only people to face the DP would be criminals who are repeatedly conviced of murder, rape or genuine child abuse. (sexual molestation, seriose bodily injury from physical abuse) or unrepentant first time offenders of the same crimes. Those who are defiant and unwilling to change.

I believe that there IS a place and need for the DP.
I also believe the way it is currently used, is wrong.

To directly answer your question. If a life was taken wrongly via the DP then ofcourse that is wrong. Thats why I belive it should be reformed and more strictly followed.