The act of killing those guilty of killing another person has been practiced since the beginning of time. Early empires and colonies all had laws in place that not only protected, but also encouraged those guilty of murder put to be death. While we do not use those exact laws in today’s society, we do still practice capital punishment. Which I believe is just. Today, capital punishment is only available for what society would consider the worst of the worst. Each state has different criteria and these criteria often overlap. Most states require that the guilty party be convicted of first degree, premeditated murder. Some states, such as Florida, also offer the death penalty for those who have committed felony murder, aggravated sexual battery,
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This verse begins with Jesus directly quoting the Old Testament verses, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. He goes on to say that we, as Christians, are to turn the other cheek and forgive those who have wronged us. The problem with using this to negate the practice of capital punishment is that the Sermon on the Mount is directed towards the individual. The purpose of Government is to maintain order and protect its citizens. Since the purposes of the individual and the purposes of the government are so different, they cannot be held to the same standards. While the government continuing the practice of the death penalty is allowed by the Bible, people acting out vigilante justice is condemned. Paul, himself, tells readers by quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, which states that justice is the Lord’s to repay and we should not take it into our own hands. Jesus himself submitted to capital punishment when he was crucified. As the Roman guards came to arrest him, Peter attempted to stop them by killing one of the guards. He only succeeded in cutting the guard’s ear off, but when Jesus saw he said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." This statement shows his acceptance of capital punishment. He not only stood by and allowed himself to be led away, but he also warned Peter that those who kill others are to suffer the same
This verse begins with Jesus directly quoting the Old Testament verses, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. He goes on to say that we, as Christians, are to turn the other cheek and forgive those who have wronged us. The problem with using this to negate the practice of capital punishment is that the Sermon on the Mount is directed towards the individual. The purpose of Government is to maintain order and protect its citizens. Since the purposes of the individual and the purposes of the government are so different, they cannot be held to the same standards. While the government continuing the practice of the death penalty is allowed by the Bible, people acting out vigilante justice is condemned. Paul, himself, tells readers by quoting Deuteronomy 32:35, which states that justice is the Lord’s to repay and we should not take it into our own hands. Jesus himself submitted to capital punishment when he was crucified. As the Roman guards came to arrest him, Peter attempted to stop them by killing one of the guards. He only succeeded in cutting the guard’s ear off, but when Jesus saw he said, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword." This statement shows his acceptance of capital punishment. He not only stood by and allowed himself to be led away, but he also warned Peter that those who kill others are to suffer the same