Being pro-life is more than just defending the lives of innocent babies, it extends to those who have committed egregious acts against humanity as well. As Christians, we are taught to see past just the false reality of this world and look towards the time when we will be with the Lord. In doing so, we realize the importance of not just our own relationship with Jesus, but that of others as well. The Bible says that angels rejoice in heaven whenever a person accepts Jesus as their Savior, yet those who do not accept Jesus will suffer by being in the absence of God's presence. The Bible describes this place as complete darkness with great weeping and gnashing of teeth. This is a punishment that no Christian would wish on anyone, even the most violent offenders.
Many people justify capital punishment by using the Old Testament "eye for and eye, tooth for a tooth" verses. To those Christians who use that as a basis for supporting that argument, then I would expect that they also refrain from eating pork, observe the Sabbath on Saturdays, and celebrate all the Feasts of the Jewish tradition. Many don't understand that those rules and laws were apart of a covenant that God had with Abraham in order to keep Israel righteous in a world that lacked it. It wasn't until Jesus came and died for all the sins of the world that the new covenant was formed and we achieve righteousness through Faith. By accepting him, we are forgiven, yet we are required to forgive those who trespass against us as well.
Forgiving is not an easy thing to do. But as Christians, it is important to understand that the atrocities that were done to Jesus were excruciating and he was the most innocent human that ever lived. Yet, as he was nailed to a cross, slowly dying, he still cared for the people who administered his punishment. He said "Forgive them Father, they know not what they do." Even with his last words, he knew the importance of the sacrifice he was making in order to save those who were killing him. It is also important to note that the disciples did not seek revenge against the Jews or the Romans. They were too busy fulfilling the Great Commission and bringing people to Christ, even those who condemned him.
As a child I remember being freightened by the news of the Milwakee Murderer; a serial killer who was killing his victims and then eating them. His name was Jeffrey Dahmer and he was captured and imprisoned for life. While in prison he was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior (http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Christianity/2006/11/Saving-Jeffrey-Dahmer.aspx). When I first read this, I couldn't help but wonder if he could truly be saved after the attrocities he committed against his fellow man. I think this is a natural reaction when these types of conversions happen because we don't like to see evil things we fear mixed with the Holy things we revere. But to say that Christ's sacrifice was enough to forgive the sins of the world and then say that Dahmer couldn't be saved would make me a hypocrite; worse, it would be doubting the promise that Jesus made to those that believe in him.
So rather than condemn people to death, even murderers, war criminals, and serial killers, we should leave the door for hope open while they serve life in prison. I am not professing that criminals who accept Jesus should be released or given better treatment, but I am advocating that their lives be spared in the hope that they may find Christ in this world and the next.
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5 comments:
Well said Brian. I truly believe forgiveness is one of the greatest lessons Christ is teaching us. Capital punishment sometimes robs the victims of their chance to forgive and the convicted of the chance to find God or be forgiven.
Also, in the majority of states in the US it costs more to put a convict to death than it does to incarcerate them for life...mainly due to the appeals process.
I find it very ironic that the Republicans are against abortion but FOR capital punishment and the Democrats are for abortion but AGAINST capital punishment.
Hmmm...something doesn't seem right there.
Thanks JB. In becoming a Christian, you learn that when you truly forgive a person, it lifts a great burden off of your heart. The great challenge of controlling your emotions enough to forgive or loving an enemy who would do you harm is perhaps the truest revelation for humanity being created in God's image. It goes so contrary to our "human" nature, but it is through Truth that true healing comes. Vengeance, whether by an individual or a society, just perpetuates more violence and hatred. Thanks for chiming in!
Brian and I have talked about a particular situation in the past, and it is very relevant to this post.
In 1981, a man, reportedly hired by a Soviet country, attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II. This man was imprisoned, and I believe has been released in the past few years. After recovering, John Paul II visited his would-be assassin in prison. He forgave the man and spent time praying with him.
As the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, John Paul II set an example so powerful that many Christians continue to have trouble accepting forgiveness in their lives. It is this trouble with human understanding that prevents us from moving forward and which leads us to demand punishment and capital punishment.
In today's society we can clearly see how forgiveness, although not often used, is so important to move forward with life. Any capital punishment case where public opinion is broadcasted via the media shows us exactly why we need to move past this method of legal sentencing.
It truly brings out the worst in people and breeds hatred. It shows how even Christians will step away from God and preach about how they need the "second wrong" of capital punishment to be able to put aside the hurt associated with the violent loss of a loved one or the pain associated with a rape.
One of your best posts. I recommend tackling at some point in the future what I consider the be the "third rail" of the pro-life argument - war. I find it much more challenging to reconcile a pro-life belief with support for a strong military that engages in war.
Thanks for the comment Richard and I appreciate your thoughts on expanding the pro-life argument to encompass war. It is for your comment that my latest post was about just that. I hope you enjoy it and thanks again for commenting.
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