Capital Punishment: Christianity Against Flashcards
What are seven points?
Jesus' Teachings on forgiveness Sanctity of Life The Ten Commandments Jesus taught that revenge is wrong The Bible teaching is inconsistent Most Christian denominations are against capital punishment Pope Francis
Jesus’ Teachings on forgiveness
Jesus’ message was one of love and compassion.
“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” (Luke 11:4)
Jesus taught that it was very important to forgive
Christians should follow the example of Jesus
Sanctity of Life
“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him;” (Genesis 1: 26-27)
Humans are made in God’s likeness and are therefore sacred
Only God can give and take life
This does not permit anyone, or any authority, to execute a person
The Ten Commandments
“You shall not kill.” (Exodus 20)
No-one, not even the state, is permitted to kill anybody, even if that person has killed another
Jesus taught that revenge is wrong
“But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” (Matthew 5:38)
The death penalty is ultimately acting revenge on murderers for their crimes which Jesus taught not to do
Christians should follow Jesus’ teachings
The Bible teaching is inconsistent
The Bible speaks in favour of the death penalty but it also prescribe 35 other crimes, such as magic that are no longer regarded as deserving of the death penalty
In order to be consistent, humanity should remove the death penalty
Most Christian denominations are against capital punishment
“We do not have the right, even in the case of dreadful crimes, to take a life as punishment.”(The United Reform Church)
Christians should follow Church Teachings
Pope Francis
“I appeal to the consciences of those govern to reach an international consensus to abolish the death penalty.”
The Pope is the Head of the Church and his word should be followed
If the Pope is against the death penalty then Christians should be also
