The Death Penalty And Christian Candidates – They Can’t Have It Both Ways
Posted: Saturday, September 24, 2011
by Judge Dred
During this political season, many of our candidates for President have gone out of their way to proclaim their belief in God. Rick Perry went so far as to hold a gathering for those of the Christian faith in Houston, Texas. Many were up in arms about the event, due to its lack of inclusiveness (Jews, Muslims, etc., were not invited) Combine these actions with the incendiary topic of the death penalty in the United States, and this creates a dilemma for our devout Christian office seekers. Christian politicians who support the death penalty can’t have it both ways.
It reads, “But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also”. There are many other quotes from Matthew, some of which may not have been read and fully understood by our candidates. Romans 12:19 – 20 (KJV) are the passages which some of our staunch death penalty advocates obviously disregard. Verse 19 in part, states “Avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord”. Verse 20 deals with feeding hungry enemies, amongst other subjects.
Men and women living in this country are not expected to stand and willingly accept crimes perpetrated upon them. The point is how can someone such as Rick Perry make statements that are pro-capital punishment, and claim total adherence to Christianity? After Perry was asked this question about executing 234 death row inmates in Texas at the Republican debate of September 7, 2011:
“Have you struggled to sleep at night with the idea that any one of those (executed inmates) might have been innocent? “
Here is Perry’s response:
“No, sir. I've never struggled with that at all. The state of Texas has a very thoughtful, a very clear process in place of which -- when someone commits the most heinous of crimes against our citizens, they get a fair hearing, they go through an appellate process, they go up to the Supreme Court of the United States, if that's required.
But in the state of Texas, if you come into our state and you kill one of our children, you kill a police officer, you're involved with another crime and you kill one of our citizens, you will face the ultimate justice in the state of Texas, and that is, you will be executed.” *
Does this not directly contradict what is stated in Romans 12:19? If God said that “vengeance is mine”, then how does Perry explain his signing off on executing prisoners in Texas? According to the Bible, God will deliver “ultimate justice. This is not for Rick Perry or anyone else to decide if a person should be put to death. That is, if one is truly a Christian and follows the teachings of the Bible.
Perry (along with all other politicians who support capital punishment) wants to be portrayed as tough on crime by supporting the death penalty. Does capital punishment really serve as a deterrent to those who commit crimes such as murder? Here’s a sampling of numbers from New York, the most populous state without the death penalty, and Texas, from the FBI’s Uniform Crime Statistics website which can be found at this link: http://www.ucrdatatool.gov/index.cfm
|
Estimated murder and non negligent manslaughter |
||
|
Year |
New York |
Texas |
|
|
||
|
2007 |
804 |
1,420 |
|
2008 |
836 |
1,370 |
|
2009 |
778 |
1,328 |
Both states have numbers which show little variation of the amount of murders committed throughout the 3 year period. New York also has tough anti gun laws, which may partially account for the lower murder and manslaughter totals from the state. The main issue being that the threat of the death penalty did not prevent over a thousand people’s deaths in Texas during each of the 3 years from 2007 – 2009. Talking points aside, capital punishment simply does not deter crime. California’s (another capital punishment state) murder numbers are worse than those in Texas.
Political candidates for office who proclaim their Christianity and are death penalty supporters should attach a word next to the names on to their resumes: hypocrite. Some are holding a bible in one hand and an execution order in the other. Candidates, you can’t have it both ways. There is no such status as being Christian when it is convenient for you. Either you are Christian, or you are not. Find another way to be tough on crime. Vengeance, according to the bible that you claim to read, belongs to the Lord. Are you listening, Rick Perry?
Until next time,
JD
*The New York Times, The Republican Debate at the Regan Library, September 7, 2011
This Article has been viewed 506 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Excellent. Well thought out and full of super research. It is full of hope too. To think that you think this will be persuasive. They would tell you that Civil and Criminal Law of State is what we are dealing with, not religious teachings. The highest aspirations of Jesus, taught as wonderful ideals - to these types of Believers, have little to do with how to handle crimes against the state. Check out all the commentary around John 18:36.
But take your shot. You might affect some voters. Here's to the Judge!HI Christofer,
I looked at all of John 18 and 19. Makes for interesting reading, especially in relation to this topic. The answers from some of the candidates change on the fly, I'm astonished that they can speak with a straight face. I hope someone will read this article and ask some of our hypocritcal candidates about what I have stated in this article. Many of our laws are based in the bible, so caution should be used when handing out "punishment". Perry is the most visable violator of this hypocritical stance. He bears watching. Thanks again for reading and commenting.
Very well stated. There is a lot to be said on that quote, but this is not the place. It's crazy how so many profess a belief in God or call themselves Christians but once they get into office - where did God go???? Our current president did the same thing, this will always be. I suppose it's evidence in some small way, God is still important even though he's not invited into the process - except of course, after a tragedy, then he is welcomed. I pray that during this next season of change, we could get back to some genuine and honest politicians, there have been a few a time or two. Though getting back to the Bible, we know that even in the early days, there were dishonest leaders. This is because its a human issue. So it doesn't matter to me whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent. God help us with honesty and integrity - beginning with claims of personal faith. And that includes, NOT sharing it, if you are not living by it. One of the things Jesus said, that is coming to pass at this moment for our country is "A house divided against itself will not stand." We are at war within our government and this is our biggest problem. Extremes are killing us - and not so softly. .... OKAY, congrats, you are only the second person who has ever gotten me to share this much about politics. :-) Blessings to you! TeresaI've got to ask, how did our current president get into office calling himself a Christian and then lose God? Was it his proposal for healthcare that helped the sick (Obamacare)? Or his insistence on helping the outcast with unemployment insurance? Or the elderly with a bare subsistence (social security)? Or the outcast with a minimum acceptance (gays serving their Country in the military)? Or the rich paying at least an equal amount in taxes (15% vs. a minimum of 17% for the poor)?
I'd like to know, Teresa. Why don't you call out the Religious Right politicians who oppose the sick, the unemployed, the weak, the outcast and the poor? It seems to me to be much more egregious to call oneself a Christian and oppose such people.My dear friend Bruce, here you go again reading way more into what I said to make it something ugly. First, I did not say he used God to get into office. I simply said, he stated several times - very specifically that he was Christian. That faded after he took office and then he joined the many others whose definition of Christianity grew murky.(I'm not taking in works, I'm talking about God and specially, who He is - Jesus) And for the record, I have called religious right politicians hypocrites who oppose the sick, the unemployed, the weak, the outcast, and the poor. When have you seen me defend such persons? Not once. I was simply commenting on on a well written article with the truth spoken because I agree completely - isn't this "calling them out" . As I mentioned to judge - He is only the second person to get me to comment on such a political piece. So I am hurt that once again, you assume way more about me than I think I deserve. I don't what its going to take to show you that I am a pretty fair person, and I don't hide my head in the sand, running from appearances and evidence. I do believe we are at war in our government because of hard-core stances that are hypocritical and arrogant. Answer me this, when have you heard me speak against the good things Obama and his administration has done? You have to admit, when has he spoken (since he took office) of the God of the bible? That is all I was saying. Nothing more, nothing less. Love, your friend, TeresaBruce,
My comment to you, I realize, is definitely on the defensive. Perhaps, I "heard" your voice wrong. If I did, I apologize. I suppose I have some thinking and praying to do. Blessings to you.Hi Teresa,
As I continue to watch the goings on in this political cycle, I was moved to write this particular article. The current Republican front runner, Rick Perry, really bothers me. As I said before, he held a Christian themed rally in Houston, then turns and says with a straight face that a person will die in Texas if they commit crimes such as murder. It looks to me that Perry is a living, breathing hypocrite who is a danger to us all. He is willing to use God and the bible in order to accomplish his goals, which are in direct conflict wih biblical teachings. I don't agree with Obama's support of the death penalty, but I support the other things that he is attempting to do. Who is trying to stop him? Perry, the Tea Party and the other group of so-called Republican leaders in Washington. Yes, this house is divided, with certain leaders determined to push a majority of Americans into the sea. In my opinon, there are politicans of all parties guilty of being hypocritcal, it's just that the Republicans are leading the way. Teresa, thanks for reading and commenting.
I agree with you - It's a very sad situation. The arrogant attitudes are tiring and destructive. I pray for the best outcome, but know that until Jesus reigns on this earth there will be no true Justice and Peace. I can only do my part to hopefully vote for those whom I think are the least destructive and most beneficial to all of society, especially those who are unable to help themselves - the hard part is discerning those who are lazy and taking advantage, and those who are doing all they can and still fall short. There is no easy answer. Thanks again for a great post.
Fascinating subject, JD. Our political and religious leaders can make contradictory statements within the same sentence, and a huge portion of society sees nothing wrong with it. They don't even understand the statements are contradictory and often oxymoronic. Kinda like a 'Christian Libertarian.'
Keep up the great writing.I think the major problem with a marjority of American society today is that they are simply not paying attention. The few that are paying attention are being won over by style, not substance. Most of the candidates of today are walking contradictions. They are willing to say whatever it takes to gain power and control. It's like they are playing opposites attract with words and phrases, such as:
I am Christian - I will execute you
Social Security is a Ponzi Scheme - It's a system that needs fixing
And yes, Christian - Libertarian ( I gotta use that one!)
When they see that no one challenges them on their stances and statements, they feel more empowered, and people laugh at Republican debates over serous subjects. I could go on for hours. Bruce, thanks for everything, and thank you for reading and commenting.
That should have been serious - not serous. Sorry about that.
JD
Read your article with a lot of interest. I am completely wiped about anyone in the upcoming election and am reading all opinions and whatever I can find on the various candidates from lots of differing opinions. You have written a really fine article and appreciate your insight very much. Fine five-star researched work.Hi OGM,
I just feel that there are people from all walks of political life that are playing fast and loose when it comes to religion. Religion is being used to pander for votes, along with dividing people (i.e. all people of the Muslim faith being branded as terrorists, for example)
Some will say whatever they feel it takes to get elected, no matter how outlandish the statement. I wanted to call attention to the foolishness that some of these candidates think they are getting away with. As always, thank you for reading and commenting.
I don't believe in the death penalty. Our Lord spoke of forgiveness it is not up to mankind to sentence a person to death no matter how terrible the crime.Hi David,
Nor do I believe in the death penalty. It is not the place of a human, no matter their position in our society, to take the life of another. Those who attempt to justify capital punishment bear watching. Thanks for reading and commenting.
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