CCATDP’s Charles Koch Institute Communications Inten, Katherine Dwyer, posed the question “Should Christians Support the Death Penalty?” in her most recent op-ed, which was published in the Gospel Herald.
In the article, she wrote,
Death penalty measures were considered on three different state ballots on Election Day, which has sparked a healthy capital punishment debate among Christians, but where should Christians stand on the death penalty? Some capital punishment proponents justify their stance by suggesting that not only is it good governance but it’s also sanctioned by God. This is a bold claim. Those who support the death penalty often cite a few Biblical verses, but do they really translate into a divine death penalty mandate?
Throughout the op-ed, she highlighted many of the death penalty-related Biblical verses and explained their meaning and original translations. She concluded,
We grapple with many issues, like the death penalty, that don’t always appear to be easily solved, but when you look to Jesus for guidance, things become much clearer. As a dedicated Christian, I plan to follow Jesus’ example as best as I can. I will opt for mercy, the hope for redemption, and respect for human life, and thus will oppose the death penalty.