Death Penalty subject again

[Andrea Larabee]

After reading a post this past week about the death penalty-which I was undecided to be for it or against it. I am feeling much more against it. No one particular opinion changed my mind, but a few did stick out in my thoughts. Specifically one about Jesus would not kill a murderer. After all look how the Lord God transformed Saul to Paul who was killing Christians.

This is the link for a very short article about a murderer they just executed last night. The article does not include a news clip they aired this morning about this man's execution.

This broadcast this morning was about this very man laying on the execution table literally shaking and crying out to God, "Father forgive me, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!! ACCEPT ME!!!"

I almost cried watching this news segment as it reminded me of the thief on the cross next to Jesus.

http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou060623_jj_railroadmexico.b58fc59b.html

[Cindi Hammons]

Andrea,

The older I get, the less I am inclined to agree with the death penalty. First, I have to say that I completely understand why someone would argue FOR the death penalty. Regarding the man executed (Resindez, I believe), he caused all of us along the railroad some concern. I remember after they found that he had killed someone in Kentucky. Well, we live 100 yards from the RR and 10 miles north of the Kentucky line. I was really fearful until he was caught. So, even though I didn't have a family member murdered by this man, I can understand why people would think his punishment fair.

On the other hand, I agree that it doesn't seem to be a Christian option, and the older I get, the more important mercy seems to me. Now, I'm not saying slap them on the wrist and send them on their way! BY NO MEANS!! I say lock them up for life, never to be released. Fiscally, it is less expensive to keep someone in prison for life than to execute them. All of their legal work is paid for by the State.

We live 7 miles from the Ohio State Penitentiary at Lucasville where Ohio's death row is located. Believe me, we are aware of every single execution that happens in Ohio. The school where I work is directly across the road from the prison. Kind of ironic isn't it? "If you don't do well, you may end up there!":eek:

Well, anyways, I guess I described someone sitting squarely on the fence with this issue! But, as I said, I'm starting to lean "against" instead of "for."

Cindi H.

[Andrea Larabee]

Cindi,

Thanks for your reply and I agree with all of what you said. I also think about what would I really do if I were the one who had a family member murdered? I would probably be inclined to choose the death penalty for that person convicted. Though I am leaning a little more against death penalty as well.

It does amaze me everyday how merciful God is! The thief got the death penalty. And he also got Paradise.

[Hans Deventer]

This broadcast this morning was about this very man laying on the execution table literally shaking and crying out to God, "Father forgive me, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!! ACCEPT ME!!!"

I believe with all my heart that such a prayer is always answered, and answered positively. It is the heart of the gospel to believe that no matter what dreadful deeds one has done, God loves sinners and wants them to repent. Sometimes, it might be useful to exchance the words "sinners" with a more descriptive word, in this case, murderes. The word "sinner" seems to have lost its impact.

Reminds me of a story. A lady came to her pastor, and shared, "I am such a sinner, pastor". The pastor answered, "So I have heard".

In two senctences the "spiritualized" meaning of the word, that has no meaning at all anymore, and the real meaning of the word.

[Ian Gentles]

I feel it must be awfull for those who carry out this duty, such a depressing job to do! However, i still am in favour of it for the more awfull killings. I would addd just one more point, in Britain, if life meant life, this matter wouldent be an argument. Truth is murderes often have fairly short sentences, in this lies the problem for us.

[Mark Metcalfe]

God will mete out both justice and mercy.
On earth, governments will carry out justice.
Sometimes, death is a just punishment.

Jesus said "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One
who can destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt 10:28)
Jesus also said as a warning to us "law abiders" that a
person who says "'you fool' will be in danger of the
fire of hell." (Matt 5:22)

In the scheme of things, this man had opportunity to repent.
That is mercy. And God knows the heart and redeems even
a thief on the cross next to Him. So this is where Hans an I
agree.

Mark