Christians as Murderers?

Originally Posted by Sheltiedad

I believe every young person should spend 2 years in the military... it would do wonders for their discipline.

I disagree - it should be six years.

[crakjak]

Originally Posted by Alter Ego

True.

I have a tough time reconciling the idea of forgiveness (which Jesus taught was to be seventy times seven daily for the same offense), and justice. Should we pardon all criminals of any punishment because of Jesus' command to forgive?

No, the scripture tells us that the government "does not bear the sword in vain". Romans 13:3-4

Some individuals will not receive "NO" from their parents, nor school officials, therefore law enforcement must tell them "NO", if they will not receive NO from these sources, then they will be restrained by law enforcement. If they continue on the path of wickedness then their life perishes either from health issues, accident or execution. Of course, they then face the judgment, it is sad, but the fact is that some are not equipped to live in this world. At the judgment they will face the "fire" of God and they will be brought to a place of willful submission to the will of God. As they experience the will of God they will finally be changed by the love of God. Mal. 3:3 Tells that God is a refiners fire and a launderers soap, He will cleanse the worst of sinners.

Physical death is a premature juncture to determine one's ultimate end.

[stmatthew]

I'll let Caesar take care of the things of this life, and I will concentrate on Spiritual Matters.

I think there is a dividing line. Someone that is not under Grace IS still under the Law, and is to be judged as such. Not by the one under Grace, but by others under the Law. The one under Grace can ONLY pass on mercy and continue in Grace.

[drummerboy_dave]

In general, I am anti-abortion and pro-death penalty. Go figure.

Who can be in total agreement of clinics getting blown up or physicians getting shot under the guise of Pro-life?

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Alter Ego

By what measure of sanity can Christians call themselves Pro-life and yet be in total agreement with the death penalty? The death penalty allows for murder at the hands of the government, which in America is the citizenry. So everytime someone is executed, we are his/her murderers.

How is it possible to be a Christian and yet approve of such barbaric practices?

By what reason of logic is punishment for crimes murder? Call it killing if you want. Call it taking a life, but why do you call it murder? I fail to see the logic here because the logic seems to be erroneously based on a word that has one meaning to you and another for someone elese

Christians do not support "pro life" positions because they don't believe anyone should die. They are against abortion because they don't believe an unborn child has a reason to be killed. It has not done anything wrong. It has not received a fair trial nor appeals processes nor representation. That child is just killed. It is absolutely absurd to compare the judical execution of a criminal with aborting an unborn child

[RevDWW]

Rom 13:1 - 5 (KJV)
1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.

Seems Paul could be a death penalty proponent.........

[RevDWW]

Originally Posted by Praxeas

By what reason of logic is punishment for crimes murder? Call it killing if you want. Call it taking a life, but why do you call it murder? I fail to see the logic here because the logic seems to be erroneously based on a word that has one meaning to you and another for someone elese

Christians do not support "pro life" positions because they don't believe anyone should die. They are against abortion because they don't believe an unborn child has a reason to be killed. It has not done anything wrong. It has not received a fair trial nor appeals processes nor representation. That child is just killed. It is absolutely absurd to compare the judical execution of a criminal with aborting an unborn child

Good post......

[Rico]

The death penalty bought every one of you your salvation, so think about that while you go around saying it's wrong.

[pelathais]

Originally Posted by Rico

The death penalty bought every one of you your salvation, so think about that while you go around saying it's wrong.

... and it was the death of an innocent who was being punished unjustly.

I confess that for me this is a tough issue (death penalty) to sort through while remaining consistant at every point. It saddens me, but then again look at what has happened to the mureder rates across the country since it was allowed to be reimposed.

It's a hard call.

[OP_Carl]

Originally Posted by Rico

The death penalty bought every one of you your salvation, so think about that while you go around saying it's wrong.

Wow. These last few posts are all good stuff.