Christian Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment.

Question 1

Four reasons for:

Answer 1

+ Lex Talionis
+ St Paul
+ The Ten Commandments
+ Thomas Aquinas

Question 2

+ Bible teaches Lex Talons.

Answer 2

‘Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye’

Deuteronomy 19

Question 3

+ St. Paul

Answer 3

‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for … the authorities that exist have been established by God.’ (Romans 13)

Question 4

+ The Ten Commandments

Answer 4

Capital punishment affirms the commandment that ‘thou shalt not kill’ by affirming the seriousness of the crime of murder.

Question 5

+ Thomas Aquinas

Answer 5

Thomas Aquinas: the Death Penalty as Protection of Society

‘It is permissible to kill a criminal if this is necessary for the welfare of the whole community.’ (Summa Theologica)

Question 6

Four reasons against:

Answer 6

• Sanctity of Life
• Jesus
• Ten Commandments
• Matthew 5:38-39

Question 7

• Sanctity of Life

Answer 7

‘All life is holy and belongs to God’

‘God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.’ (Genesis 1:27)

Question 8

• Jesus

Answer 8

Jesus came to Save and Reform. E.g. the adulterous woman. Christianity is a message of love and forgiveness.

Question 9

• Ten Commandments

Answer 9

For some Christians the sixth commandment means that no one is permitted to kill anybody. Exodus 20

Question 10

• Matthew 5:38-39

Answer 10

‘You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’ (Matthew 5)