This seems like an off the wall subject but in light of some discussion among friends I thought I would pass on some thoughts about capital punishment. It is amazing to see how many people in conservative circles have a pro stance on this issue. If a criminal is convicted of an especially haneous crime then bust out the needle. It is kind of ironic that I am moving to the state with the highest rate of capital punishment cases.
In the middle fo the argument I tried to put some Biblical clothes on it and get over the logical and rant of the two polar positions. The pro-cp side fiercely defends the rights of the victim and the anti-cp group fiercely defends the right of the criminal. What is funny is that when it comes to abortion, most of the people in the two groups swap the sides whom they defend.
So what is the value of a human life? Is it worth less the older that it gets? Is it worth less after it has committed a crime? Is that the way God sees it?
To often we defend our rights and forget about the words of Jesus to pray for our enemies and forgive those who sin against us. Somehow, that doesn't apply when we are the victims but it totally applies when we are the criminals. Do we really believe that there isn't a sin that is to great to be forgiven? If not for mercy, would any of us be alive? And speaking of mercy it is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. I do understand that we are instructed to follow the law (Rom. 13:1-4) but are we citizens of Christ's Kingdom first and then citizens of this world second?
Just something to think about. Thank you God for giving me a second chance....and a third....and a fourth...and
1 comment:
Scott,
I have a Google alert set on "Meador", for obvious reasons. Your blog entry appeared in the results this morning, and I enjoyed your insight.
I grew up Methodist (I now attend Edgehill UMC in Nashville), and the subject you write about here has been a great puzzlement to me.
I have always said, "I am against capital punishment, but if the crime were committed against one of my loved ones, I could probably pull the switch." That is why the jury isn't made up of the victim's family.
I continue to be amazed at the wisdom of our country's founding fathers. I am also amazed when people want to destroy the judicial system for going against one's personal beliefs/opinions.
My local church is very involved in social justice causes... elimination of the death penalty being one of them.
Personally, I find it difficult to live with the thought that we have likely executed innocent people. That blood is on all our hands.
I wish you many blessings in your journey!
Tom Meador
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