Capital Punishment Flashcards
Bible teaching on capital punishment
Old Testament suggests that God created the death penalty.
Murder is a serious crime so the punishment has to be serious.
In the New Testament, Jesus changed the Old Testament teaching. Christians should not seek revenge.
Does the state have the right to administer the death penalty?
Death penalty should be administered to those who show disrespect.
Jesus Christ highlights the need for forgiveness and not to judge others and also not to take revenge.
Types of capital punishment
Electric chair, hanging, lethal injection, stoned, shot
Should a Christian always forgive?
For
The bible emphasises the importance of forgiveness linking it to God’s forgiveness of humanity’s sins.
Christians are encouraged to forgive others as God forgives them.
Forgiveness is seen as a way to prevent bitterness and maintain inner peace.
Should a Christian always forgive?
Against
Forgiveness should be extended only when there is genuine remorse and repentance from the offender.
There are differing views within Christianity regarding whether forgiveness should be unconditional or based on repentance.
Biblical teachings suggest that forgiveness is linked to remorse and confession of sins, making it conditional
Does restorative justice work?
Research in the UK and elsewhere has confirmed that about 75% of victims are satisfied with the results of mediation.
Many victims felt less angry, fearful and experienced emotional healing.
Mediation has also been shown to have a considerable impact on offenders. It’s thought to have deterred offenders from reoffending.
Current statistics show that the prison system is not completely effective in preventing reoffending.
