Good and Evil

Question 1

Christian views FOR the death penalty

Answer 1

• Mentioned in the Old Testament – “eye for an eye, life for a life.”
• Peace in society was more important than reforming the sinner. He reflects the Catholic Church’s teaching that the protection of the whole of society is more important than the individual.
• Deterrence – puts people off committing crimes and teaches society murder is a serious sin.

Question 2

Christian views AGAINST the death penalty

Answer 2

• Jesus opposed the teaching of the death penalty “eye for and eye.” – “turn the other cheek.”
• Jesus preached forgiveness and compassion – criminal should be provided with a chance to reform
• Sanctity of life – God is in charge of life and only God can take life.
• Mentioned in the 10 commandments “You shall not commit murder.”

Question 3

Islamic views FOR the death penalty

Answer 3

• Allowed for the following 3 offences: murder, adultery, apostasy (Sahih Hadith 16)
• Muhammed (pbuh) sentenced people to death when he was a ruler – keeps society safe
• Mentioned in the Quran and the Quran is the word of God.
• “eye for an eye, life for a life.”
• “Allowed for three offences: murder, adultery, apostasy.”

Question 4

Islamic views AGAINST the death penalty

Answer 4

• Family of a murder victim can accept blood money from the murderer.
• Last resort - Capital punishment is recommended by the Quran but is not compulsory.
• Muslims are taught to forgive and give second chances. Everyone is part of one ummah.
• Sanctity of life – God is in charge of life and only God can take life.
• “Take not life God hath made sacred.”
• “Whoever kills a man it is as if he has killed all of mankind.”
• ‘If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward will be from God.’

Question 5

Non-religious views FOR the death penalty

Answer 5

• Protection: Public needs to be protected, those who get a life sentence are often let out after 15 years.
• Finance: Costs the taxpayers thousands of pounds to keep murderers alive.
• Deterrence: Harsh punishment – stops people committing the same crime.
• Retribution: Terrorists/murderers deserve to die ‘a life for a life’.

Question 6

Non-religious views AGAINST the death penalty

Answer 6

• Mistakes: Innocent people have been executed.
• Deterrence: There is no evidence that it stops people from committing crimes.
• Protection: Putting a murderer in prison protects society
• Reformation: Reformed criminals can be an enormous influence for good