Sometimes I admit to liking a little controversy or conflict. It’s the habitat of youth.
I am against the death penalty. My wife and I can’t discuss the topic civilly, so we don’t discuss the topic at all. She has experienced violence in her life that has shaped her views. She also claims biblical support. And I claim the same.
I tend to fall in with the Catholic Church on matters of justice and social issues. I think they know what they are doing after all these centuries. I am far from Catholic. I just happen to tend to side with them. I have had Catholic leaders and priests as friends and they could have influenced me.
One of the reasons I am against the death penalty is I think it is too easy a punishment for many who commit horrid crimes and kill another. And I also believe rape should carry a life time sentence as well. So I am not soft. I just think executing someone is too quick and easy for some. I also think hardened criminals should be in prisons that include daily hard labor. There is just too much sitting around and watching TV going on in prison.
Another reason is I believe a human has the possibility of conversion as long as they live. And we could shorten their life sooner than their ability or grace to call out. I just don’t think we want to take over God’s role in ending a life.
I also ministered to prisoners on death row for a short period of a year or so in my life. And worked with other lifers in another prison. I was surprised how little difference there was between me and them. And in many cases there are extenuating circumstances such as fetal alcohol syndrome and other childhood abuse to want to take care.
I don’t revolt when prisoners are executed. I get it. I know there are many reasoned thoughts behind the death penalty. I just don’t go for it. And I don’t go for assisted death for terminally ill people either. And I am saddened to my core over the number of abortions we see in our culture. I like to think I am consistent.
But I don’t usually say much. I don’t have any friends who agree with me. And my wife certainly doesn’t. But I am inclined to think that God likes my opinions at least if he doesn’t endorse them.
