Death Penalty

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> They never
> seem to make the spiritual connection that God ordained capital 
> punishment for capital offenses for a reason: deterrence.

This is arguable: I've generally thought of it as justice rather than
deterrance.

One problem in the United States is that the death sentence is used so
infrequently that deterrence is not a factor.  Many criminals commit
their crimes with a very cavalier attitude, knowing that even if they
get caught they might just have to do time somewhere.  The death
penalty isn't even a factor.  I read recently that something like only
40% of homicide cases are ever closed.

The other problem is that people who can afford good lawyers can
generally get off on a much lighter sentence.  People who cannot afford
a lawyer and get a public defender assigned to them are the ones who
end up on death row.

> I suspect that it's because their hearts are so unclean that they can't stand
> for anyone else to pay the price that they should have paid also (but perhaps
> for different offenses).

The disingenuity of this statement boggles my mind.  People who oppose
the death penalty have unclean hearts?  That's quite an accusation
against your brethren!  Not even the Pharisees crowding around the
adulterous woman were bold enough to cast that first stone against
her.

> If you think about it, they're actually being given more of a chance than 
> we're giving them credit for.  If a criminal can be assured that he will be 
> executed at a particular place and time, does he not have more ability to 
> go to heaven than the victim whose life he took?

This is *very* true!  Many atheists, in fact, reject the Christian
message precisely because of this stumbling block that the most vile
sicko murderer has a chance at salvation while his victim, Dudley
Doright, might very well be suffering in hellfire for eternity.

> The criminal, like the thief 
> on the cross who repented, realized it all too well.  Take away that mirror 
> from the criminal and he loses his perspective.  

There are some programs which attempt to build up the "self-esteem" of
criminals.  I read an article recently which cited some recent
research, however, showing the criminals have more self-esteem than
many in the general population, and that what they need more of is a
little humility.  I agree that sitting on death row very well might
instill humility in the criminal.

> Lastly, grace is for the saints.

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Richard "son of a criminalogist" Masoner