Christians argue both for and against the use of capital punishment as throughout history Christian churches accepted that the use of capital punishment was morally right and played a necessary part in the mechanisms of society. In the old testament of the bible genesis 9.6 it states ‘whoever sheds the blood of a man, by man his blood will be shed’. This is the whole idea of an eye for an eye and whatever crime you commit you should have that thing done to you. So for example if you were to take a life, your life should also be taken. The Old Testament was written during a period of time when laws were based on this theory. Throughout the Old Testament in total 36 capital offences are specified, including crimes such as idolatry, blasphemy and magic as well as murder. Idolatry, blasphemy and …show more content…
Even though the New Testament holds what must be the most famous execution in history, that of Jesus Christ on the cross. Christianity is based on compassion and forgiveness, modern Christians who are against capital punishment believe that the use of capital punishment is incompatible with a teaching that emphasises this, Many feel that biblical teachings are inconsistent. Christians who hold dear the beliefs of the Old Testament would be in favour of capital punishment as they believe that the punishment should fit the crime and that punishment should be severe. Much of this attitude stems from biblical quotes such as ‘An eye for an eye’ Exodus 21:24 which suggests that god would prefer to see those who commit crimes punished severely. This leads some Christians to believe that capital punishment is morally right as it is the will of god. Also Christians who are in favour of the death penalty often support it as they feel that the state does not act on its own authority but as the agent if god. They will also argue that capital punishment is like suicide as by choosing to commit a particular crime, the criminal has also chosen to surrender their life to the state if