First of all, let's establish a simple concept:  law.

If I play basketball, and there is a rule against double-dribbling, and I double-dribble, then I expect that the penalty for breaking the rule will be levied against me.  I especially expect this when I know what the rules are.

If there is a death penalty, and I know there's a death penalty, then if I commit crimes that allow the death penalty, I should expect to face the death penalty.   The laws agreed on by society are there to protect society.  By interacting with society, I accept the rules of society.

So for anyone who knows there's a death penalty on the books, I've got this to say:  "Don't do things that will get you the death penalty!"

So should we eliminate the death penalty?  That's a little tougher.

First of all, the death penalty is the most severe penalty, and therefore should be reserved for the most severe crimes.  When the death penalty is applied for jaywalking, then we've gone too far.  When the death penalty is applied for crimes that are not severe enough to warrant it, then this isn't the rule of the law, but the rule of the law of the jungle.

Essentially, right now, we're talking about murder cases.  We're talking where a person decided that another person no longer deserved to live, and killed them.  This person is capable of making such a decision, and has no right to complain when society makes the same decision.

I believe that most killers are capable of killing again.  I do believe they present a danger to society.  I believe they have diminished society in a way which they cannot "make up" or "atone" for.  There comes a point when a person is no longer capable of living in society.  At the very least, that person should be locked up for life.  If the level of crimes rise to a certain level, then I believe that society can conclude the person cannot be rehabilitated, cannot be tamed or controlled, and cannot recognize the degree of seriousness of his crimes.   At that point, I truly believe you are no longer dealing with a "person," but rather a mad animal.  In such a case, I can understand the death penalty.

However, for anyone who is religious at all, this should cause a serious problem and concern that we cannot ignore.  If we truly believe this person has an immortal soul, we must ask for God's wisdom and judgement to direct our actions.  The Bible teaches that we should tend to our own salvation with fear and trembling, and that we should love our brother as ourselves.  In such a case, I believe much prayer is needed, asking God's guidance along the way, with faith that he will guide us to the right conclusion.  In some cases, I believe that is forgiveness.  In some cases, however, I believe that is the death penalty.

Do not confuse that last statement.  I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't be executed.  I'm not saying that we should let the lost live if they accept Christ.  I'm not saying either of those things at all.  In fact, I might be saying just the opposite - that perhaps the ones who ARE lost should be allowed to live in hopes that they might know Christ.  If it isn't God's will that any be lost, then I sure don't want to be the one taking away their final chance.

Despite my concerns, I believe in the death penalty.  It should not be taken lightly, nor should the decision by a prosecutor to ask for it.  There should never be an "automatic" consideration of the death penalty.  But it should be within the law, and considered carefully.

This page last updated 11/13/2006 .