9 - Capital Punishment

• Capital Punishment - The death penalty, executing a person for their crime
• Christianity - AGREE

  • It is an excellent deterrence
  • Best way of protecting society
  • Fair form of retribution, as people who kill should die
  • It is more humane than imprisoning someone for life
  • The Bible says 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'
  • It is cheaper than keeping someone in prison
• Christianity - DISAGREE

  • It gives no opportunity to reform
  • Jesus taught forgiveness and forgave his executioners
  • Life is sacred - there is a 'spark of God' in everyone
  • The Ten Commandments says 'Do not Kill'
  • Innocent people may be executed
  • It is not a deterrent as many killers may kill no matter what
  • Punishment should be left to God in the afterlife
• Islam

  • Islam accepts capital punishment as long as there has been a fair trial and less severe punishments have been considered
  • Shariah Law allows death penalty for murder and undermining authority
  • Islam stresses the need for forgiveness and Allah will reward those who do
  • Methods of execution include beheading, hanging and stoning
  • Family of victim has the right to pardon the criminal and accept 'blood money'