Letter: Bible offers rationale for death penalty

Talk about it

It is a sad day in America when doctors and nurses will not get involved in the capital punishment of a murderer being defended being defended by an ACLU lawyer. They are, however, willing to participate in the execution of an innocent unborn child.

God gives a special blessing to the first-born children. How many of these blessings have been killed? While many Bible-thumping people are protesting the execution of murderers, they forgot to read their bibles.

When Jesus commanded the Pharisees to turn the other cheek, he was condemning their misuse of the law for personal vengeance. Jesus here was speaking to individuals, not to the government. This would prevent murders. But, our government cannot turn the other cheek, or ruthless men would dominate our society and anarchy would be the result.

In the Bible, you will find the answers. Romans 13 concerns duties to civil rulers. Verses 3 and 4 say: “For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.” Our law enforcement and our military are there to put down evil.

In Genesis 9, verse 6, God’s covenant with Noah says, “Whoever sheds man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.” In Galatians 6, verse 7: “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Our prisoners want to be treated like angels when they have acted like savage devils. Why does the news media give its utmost attention and publicity to the murderers while the victims and their families are forgotten?

Alas, the murderer cries out, no cruel or unusual punishment. But what about the victim? Did he have a choice of living or dying, or in how he was killed? Does the murderer deserve any less? Who can replace a life taken?

In the Sept. 17 Daily Globe, it was reported that the execution of a convicted double murderer in Texas was spared because a psychologist’s testimony said “that black people were more likely to commit violence.” Excuse me? That’s a reason to stop an execution? Give me a break.

If the death penalty doesn’t help, look at Mexico without it.

Tags: opinion, letters, faith, religion, crime