crime and punishment (key beliefs)

Question 1

christian teaching on the aim of punishment

Answer 1

Christians support the idea that those who break the law should be punished so that justice is served and as a deterrent to others. However, after their punishment, criminals should have the opportunity to reform and re-join society. This follows the teachings of Jesus who forgave sinners.

Question 2

Catholic teaching on capital punishment

Answer 2

Pope John Paul II taught that CP should be avoided but is acceptable if it is to save lives and there is no doubt the murderer is guilty. In 2018 the Catechism of the Catholic Church was revised to state that the Church teaches that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”.

Question 3

Arguements for capital punishment

Answer 3

Jesus never taught that the death penalty was wrong
* It can save lives (if a mass murderer is executed)
* The O.T says ‘he who sheds a person’s blood, shall have his blood shed’
* (Gen 9:6) and ‘an eye for an eye’
* St. Paul taught that Christians should obey the law and Capital Punishment
* is legal in many countries.

Question 4

Arguements against capital punishment

Answer 4

The 6th Commandment says ‘do not kill’
* We cannot teach that killing is wrong by killing
* Only God can take a life
* There is always a risk that the person is innocent
* The dead cannot be reformed (Augustine)
* Christianity tells us to love our neighbour and forgive our enemies.