Difference between revisions of "Capital punishment"
MountainDew (talk | contribs) m (Reverted edits by Theoriginal (Talk); changed back to last version by Redscare) |
(John 8:7 was written later than Lev+Ex) |
||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| − | This method of punishment is banned in many of the developed nations in the world. It is still practiced in the [[United States]], [[Botswana]], [[India]], [[Zambia]], and [[Japan]]. It is also practiced in most [[Muslim]] | + | This method of punishment is banned in many of the developed nations in the world. It is still practiced in the [[United States]], [[Botswana]], [[India]], [[Zambia]], and [[Japan]]. It is also practiced in most Shari'a states (those whose legal systems are based on the [[Muslim]] legal philosophy), as well as many other countries which are not yet considered to be developed [http://www.eurunion.org/legislat/deathpenalty/EurHRConvProt13Decl.htm]. |
Though the United States suspended the death penalty in 1973, it was reinstated in 1977. 65% of Americans believe putting someone to death for a crime is acceptable, according to a recent poll [http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/1015a3DeathPenalty.pdf]. | Though the United States suspended the death penalty in 1973, it was reinstated in 1977. 65% of Americans believe putting someone to death for a crime is acceptable, according to a recent poll [http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/1015a3DeathPenalty.pdf]. | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| + | The Bible has several passages the recommend the death penalty for different offenses. These offenses include homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), handling the skin of a pig (Leviticus 11:7-8), eating shellfish (Leviticus 11:9-12), and working on the sabbath (Exodus 35:2). | ||
| − | + | It would appear, however, that this was repudiated by Jesus: "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone" (John 8:7) is cited as evidence that humans do not have the right to judge another worthy of death. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
Revision as of 20:25, March 17, 2007
Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, refers to the custom of executing prisoners who are convicted of certain crimes.
Capital Punishment in the world today
This method of punishment is banned in many of the developed nations in the world. It is still practiced in the United States, Botswana, India, Zambia, and Japan. It is also practiced in most Shari'a states (those whose legal systems are based on the Muslim legal philosophy), as well as many other countries which are not yet considered to be developed [1].
Though the United States suspended the death penalty in 1973, it was reinstated in 1977. 65% of Americans believe putting someone to death for a crime is acceptable, according to a recent poll [2].
Biblical View
The Bible has several passages the recommend the death penalty for different offenses. These offenses include homosexuality (Leviticus 20:13), handling the skin of a pig (Leviticus 11:7-8), eating shellfish (Leviticus 11:9-12), and working on the sabbath (Exodus 35:2).
It would appear, however, that this was repudiated by Jesus: "He who is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone" (John 8:7) is cited as evidence that humans do not have the right to judge another worthy of death.