Why is life in prison more "Christian" than the death penalty ?

Okay, but you're the one who derailed it. And the abortion issue has some parallels with the death penalty. And I'm against both.

 

I never mentioned anything about the man. You must be confusing me with someone else.

 

And there is no separation of church & state there either. Are you going to spend eternity picketing the throne demanding it?

 

There was a man in Fort Worth approx. 3 years ago for whom prison was not a deterrent to his murder when he was killed by escaped convicts from Huntsville.

That only puts the deterrent angle completely beside the point. If neither the death penalty nor prison for life is a deterrent, that facet is then irrelevant.

 

freeatlast said "I would guess the proof is within yourself as well as most of us. As with many of us there has been times when we would like to have killed someone, but was discouraged because of getting caught and punished. Yes perhaps there are those who are so righteous that the thought never enters their mind but for most we are not. The same with theft and every other crime."


So the only reason you have not killed someone is because you may get caught and be punished? The value of another's life should be enough to prevent you from murdering someone. It does not take "those who are so righteous". It takes having a heart and conscience. But you clearly have neither after reading so many of your posts.

 

Amen! I am glad some people have that fear if that is all that keeps them in line.

 

I Tim. 1:16 "And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life."

The "mercy" mentioned in I Tim. 1:16 is "mercy" that is an example that future Christians are to follow. Christians don't have the ability to grant salvation to anyone. That remains in the hands of God, therefore this passage must be speaking of exhibiting mercy toward the worst of sinners, even murderers like Paul, which is exactly what the passage says.

The "mercy" mentioned in this passage is speaking of the attitude of mercy that Christians should exhibit to all people, even the worst of sinners.

Supporting the death of someone is not displaying an attitude of mercy toward them.

As long as we can discuss scripture as fellow believers who have a sincere desire to work out our common salvation in fear and trembling... we are going to make progress in our understanding of God's Word.

peace to youraying:

 

Many Criminals Prefer the Safe Confines of Lock Up!

When I was working my way up to the ladder of employment experience, I spent 17 months as a Unit Supervisor at a large boy's facility in Beaumont, CA.

Over that period of time, I became quite used to the teens and their habit of getting into serious trouble just before they were about to be discharged from court custody back into their homes with their parents.

It was almost a "slam-dunk" that the teens would get themselves into some kind of legal predicament that would extend their court-appointed time at the facility.

The professional staff, that I supervised came to the conclusion that the reason they did this had to do with their need to remain in custody where they felt safe; had three hots and a cot; and didn't have to go back out on the streets and get shot, killed, or have to prove themselves to their peers, once again.

It was a sad fact of life when it came to being in lock up/custody. However, these kids felt like the facility, its staff, and the other kids in lock up were more like family and much safer than returning home.

Maybe we make it too easy and comfortable in prison? Maybe we need to make prison less comfortable and more difficult in order to push them to the place where they emotionally and mentally want to get out and remain out contrary to making prison a country club environment that is easier than being back out on the streets and competing in life???

 

I would read that as more of a sad indictment of what passes for 'family life' so often in the 'civilised' West these days. Sometimes I think it's the parents who need locking up...

 

Then using your philosophy to be perfect we can not send them to prison either as there is no mercy in prison.

 

You all keep in mind that in Jesus' time only political prisoners were held. Thieves and robbers were all killed ASAP.

 

So, your argument is that Christians should support the death penalty because Christians throughout history have been killed for the cause of Christ in the world?:tear:

Not a very good argument, imho.

peace to youraying:

 

First, my "philosophy" is to follow the commands of my Lord Jesus Christ found in scripture. I notice you continue to ignore the command found in I Tim. 1:16. Why don't you give your interpretation of the text?

Second, I do not oppose sending people to prison for their crimes, I oppose putting them to death for their crimes. That is merciful. If you want to debate the appropriate sentence for various crimes not involving the death penalty, start another thread.

peace to youraying: