The Bible and Capital Punishment
According to the Associated Press Joseph
Edward Duncan III was "charged with
three counts of murder and kidnapping...
If convicted, Duncan could face the death
penalty." Most of us followed the grim
details of Duncan's brutal crimes on the
nightly news, the kidnapping of an 8 year
old girl (rescued six weeks later) and the
murder of her 9 year old brother.
The tragedy both angered and sickened
the American public. But, later details
emerged which enraged parents everywhere. This man had a long history of sexual and violent crimes reaching back to his childhood. If biblical values had determined Duncan's punishment, his "bloody trail" would have been cut short.
Capital Punishment
Many argue, "We do not have the right to take a person's life. The death penalty eliminates any possibility of rehabilitation. Isn't our mission to take the Gospel to all people? Dead criminals can't repent. Besides, what if an innocent person is put to death?” None of us want to mistakenly execute a prisoner. But, what does the Bible say about capital punishment?
Genesis 9:6 says, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." Noah and his family had survived the flood. It was a new day and new start for humanity. God instructed Noah to populate the earth. Then, He reminded Noah of the dignity of human life. In verse 5, God demanded the slaying of animals that kill humans. Verse 6 is a further statement regarding murder. The guilty party was to be put to death. But, why? Because humankind alone is created in the "image of God." That is not true of animals and vegetation. All other created things are for man's use, therefore, the killing of animals for food or the cutting of trees for lodging has no consequence attached to it. Humanity uniquely reflects the image of God. It is this reason why there is such a severe penalty for the taking of life.
When God gave His Law to Israel He included, "Anyone who kidnaps another and either sells him or still has him when he is caught must be put to death (Ex.21:16)." Under Israel's Law Joseph Duncan would never have the chance to create a long list of victims. The Bible recognizes the total disregard for life expressed in violent crimes. Such a disregard attacks the manifest glory of God in creation. It is not only a sin against God, it is a sin against humankind, thus, it calls for uncompromising action.
Does society have a right to take a criminal's life? According to the Apostle Paul the answer is "yes." In Romans 13:4 he writes, "…he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant…to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Paul is referring to governmental authorities. The phrase "bear the sword" indicates government's duty to exercise the harshest of punishments when necessary. The Greek word translated "sword" describes a large knife used for the killing of animals or the cutting of flesh. Government’s God-given duty is to execute criminals like Duncan. Not to do so leads to the judicial morass that allows hardened criminals to roam our streets freely.
Other Considerations
According to a study done in 2002, the recidivism rate for violent crimes is about 61%. How does that compare with the possibility of executing an innocent man? We occasionally hear reports of someone falsely accused and later proved innocent. Those reports are rare. But, let's assume that a civilized society could not practice capital punishment due to the possibility of an error. Would we use that same logic for heart surgery? Is there the possibility for a mistake that would cost the patient’s life? If so, are we willing to cancel all cardiac procedures until we are 100% sure? Even though there are risks, heart surgery is a life-giving miracle. So it is with capital punishment. There is always the potential for error. But, the deliberate exercise of the death penalty ultimately saves lives.
Well-meaning Christians in an attempt to display love toward all people will continue to argue against capital punishment. However, the case for the death penalty does not rest on well-intentioned attitudes. It rests solely on principles revealed in the Scriptures. God's people must be seen as protectors of life. Supporting Capital Punishment is one way of fulfilling our biblical obligation.
