Originally Posted by Felicia Katt
I am late to this thread, but wanted to offer a few random thoughts:
Why do they call it a life sentence. Its really a death sentence. Either way, they will die in prison. Its just that with the one, they aren't killed by the State.
It costs a lot more to execute someone than to confine them forever.
The death penalty has never been shown to have a deterrent effect. In fact, the murder rate is higher in states with the death penalty than in those without it.
For all the people who say someone should burn in hell, thats God's job. He doesn't need the help and may not like to be rushed.
A thousand people have been executed since 1973. 69 people who were on death row have been released as innocent in that same time frame.
An eye for an eye is all through the Bible, and is as much about avoiding excess punishment as it is a criminal justice equation. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.
As far as using the Bible for guidance, keep in mind the the Bible required the state to execute a person:
for following another religion: Exodus 22:20
for a stranger entering the temple: Numbers 1:51
for proselytizing: Deuteronomy 13:1-10
for black magic: Exodus 22:18 .
for adultery: Leviticus 20:10
for incest: Leviticus 20:11
for temple prostitution: Leviticus 20:13
for bestiality: Leviticus 20:15 states: .
for sexual activity before marriage: Deuteronomy 22:13-21
for being seduced if engaged: Deuteronomy 22:23-24.
for rape of an engaged woman: Deuteronomy 22:25
for prostitution Leviticus 21:9
for kidnapping: Exodus 21:16
for human sacrifice: Leviticus 20:2-5
for cursing parents: Exodus 21:17
for abusing one's parents: Exodus 21:15
for careless handling of an animal: Exodus 21:29
for stubbornness and rebellion: Deuteronomy 21:18-21
for blasphemy: Leviticus 24:16
for working on Saturday: Exodus 35:2
for ignoring the decision of a priest or judge: Deuteronomy 17:12
for perjury: Deuteronomy 19:15-21
for accidentally killing a pregnant woman:
for being uncircumcised: Genesis 17:14
for Eating leavened bread during the Feast of Unleavened Bread:Exodus 12:15
for Manufacturing anointing oil: Exodus 30:33
for Engaging in ritual animal sacrifices other than at the temple: Leviticus 17:1-9
for Consuming blood: Leviticus 17:10. This would include eating rare meat.
for Eating peace offerings while ritually unclean: Leviticus 7:20
for Waiting too long before consuming sacrifices: Leviticus 19:5-8
for Sexual activity with a woman who is menstruating: Leviticus 20:18
for Going to the temple in an unclean state: Numbers 19:13
for teaching another religion: Deuteronomy 13:1-11
for being a prophet whose prophecy does not come true: Deuteronomy 18:22
for Gluttony and excessive drinking: Deuteronomy 21:20
Food for thought? just don't overindulge :)
FK
