Would Jesus have suported the Death Penalty

[loinburger]

Originally posted by DRoseDARs
Nope, not seeing the difference. I still don't get it.

"Murder" is unlawful and/or unjustified killing. F'rinstance, killing in self defense is generally considered to be justified, hence it isn't murder but it's still killing.

[Godbear]

How can you call it a forgery? It is directly lifted from the Bible. Surely you have not degenerated so far as to consider the bible a forgery have you?

[November Adam]

I'm with Godbear on this one... I don't understand how followers of Christ would agree with the death penalty.

Actually Calig I think your thoughts on hell may be right in one aspect. In that the fire that one is consumed by is the knowledge of what they are missing, and that is being in communion with God, their creator.

I also agree with Slowhand as I don't think there is a purgatory. I don't understand how one would gain the desire to go to heaven after 1 year, or a thousand when they know when they die what is missing. Granted if there is a purgatory, then this is a good thing in that many souls will not suffer too long. Of course I leave this with God as He is the one in charge.

[loinburger]

Godbear: There's evidence that some parts of the Bible are forgeries; DinoDoc wasn't saying that the entire bible was a forgery, just that this particular section was a forgery.

[SlowwHand]

And this:
"I think you are retaining an "Heaven is like Earth" mentality. I don't think being upset about Hitler's arrival in heaven should be allowed to bother my soul. What I do is all that is important. A good parable on this issue is the parable of workers in the vineyard."

I'm saying if a person dies unrepentant, and I only ASSUME Hitler did die with that state of mind, and since I don't believe in a "holding pattern", that it's a bummer, in a way.
I agree it wouldn't be on my mind once There.
I'm saying that looking at it Here it doesn't make sense to me. Just me, in particular.
An educated Minister, Priest, whoever might feel differently entirely.
But let me go waaaaay out on a limb here and make a semi-bold statement.
Just because the clergy is educated on historical aspects of the Bible, and have a greater insight into some of the Word, their opinion on Heaven and who's there is still no better than mine, a shot in the dark.
That may piss off the minister for me to say that, but hey, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
Let me add that in the long run, I know all will be wrong, because it's going to be better than any can imagine.

[Godbear]

Thank you for your support Adam. I think Dino is probably a good person overall, he has just let Satan enter his heart and ignore the teachings of our savior.

[DinoDoc]

Originally posted by Godbear
How can you call it a forgery?

Quite easily.

It is directly lifted from the Bible.

That's not entirely correct. The story isn't present in the oldest manuscripts of the Gospel of John, but was added later by unknown person or persons.

[Godbear]

Loin- I have never heard of any such claims before. I am aware that certain passages are most likely forgeries, such as the part at the end of Mark for example. However, I have never heard of anyone considering that particular story a forgery though. On the contrary, it is one of the most beloved stories of the New Testament, and it syncs perfectly with Jesus' overall message.

[November Adam]

Originally posted by Godbear
Thank you for your support Adam. I think Dino is probably a good person overall, he has just let Satan enter his heart and ignore the teachings of our savior.

Uhm... I wouldn't go that far. I really am not one to presume that Dino is ignoring the teachings, rather just looking at it from a different prespective.

[Godbear]

I was not aware of that. In any event, if you are going to support the death penalty you are going to have to prove that Jesus' overall message of forgiveness, love, and turning the other cheek are suddenly overlooked so that a man can be put to death. That passage is really not nescarry to condemn the practice of capital punishment.

Moreover, I am a believer in that God intended the Bible to look the way it does currently. The Bible is our only way of understanding his laws, and how we should go about our lives and God intended that passage to be included.

[Dauphin]

Another DL, how original.


Sloww, I agree to disagree, as obviously no-one is going to have any greater insight into the possibilities than anyone else. The way you view death is probably a reflection of how you view life. Its a reflection of how you see your place in existance and how your moral code works. That's my view at any rate.

BTW, I do see what you are saying about "holding patterns" but I am coming from a completely different viewpiont. I don't believe time is an issue after you die for example, so "purgatory" is not about hanging around just to change your mind. Its more about another journey that you make.

But who really knows, I sure don't. Until our creator says "Come in #12,678,465,924 your time is up" we won't.

[November Adam]

I wonder if purgatory is another round down here? You just keep doing it until you get it right.

[Switch]

I don't think Jesus supports the Death Penalty. God is the ultimate and final judge, and if we were to judge others, they would have every right to judge us for our own transgressions. Personally, I'd rather let a just judge deal with mine.

Don't know if this is exactly what I want, but:

Judge not, that you be not judged.
Matthew 7:1 NKJV

As for any other controversies, I find Answers in Genesis to be a great resource. Such similarly related subjects include euthanasia and abortion. But lets not get into that here.

[Lincoln]

There is an element of truth on both sides of this argument. As a Christian we are suppposed to do as Jesus did to the woman caught in the act of adultry -- i.e., forgive her. In fact we are even commanded by Jesus to forgive our enemies. There really is no room for a vindictive attitude from those who call themselves followers of Jesus.

The death penalty however is a civil law that is administered by government officials. The civil government (when not entirely corrupt)a acts in the place of God to maintain a degree of order in society. Those acting on the behalf of civil government are authorized to punish lawbreakers including murderers. The extreme punishment is death if it is administered in this context. No where however in the New Testament will you find Christians commanded to kill anyone, ever. Blood thirsty "Christians" are not acting in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.

[Godbear]

Lincoln- Well put, as christians however, it is our duty to oppose laws such as the death penalty. Just because it is being administrated by a secular organization doesn't mean that christians should support it, or remain indifferent to it.