Changes

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].   

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.  But respondents were close to evenly split on whether they would prefer the death penalty (50%) to mandatory life in prison (46%)  [http://abcnews.go.com/images/Politics/1015a3DeathPenalty.pdf].  

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).

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.

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.  In addition, many Christians find the death penalty repugnant since their Savior was put to death under draconian Roman death penalty laws.