Letter: Bible has clear insight on death penalty

Talk about it

I disagree with those who use the church or religion to protest the South Dakota Death Penalty.

The Bible is very plain on the death penalty. 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 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 your 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 evil. Will 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 do evil.

Our law enforcement and our military are there to put down evil. In Genesis 9:6 (God’s covenant with Noah), it says. “Who so shedeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed. For in the image of God has God made man.” In Galatians 6:7 it says, “Be not deceived. God is not mocked. For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.”

South Dakota’s lethal injection seems much too kind compared to what the victims suffered. Does the murderer deserve anything less? It’s plain to see murderers can’t be trusted in prison.

Tags: opinion, letters, politics, faith, religion