Flip the Switch

Apparently New Jersey is the first state to do away with the death penalty. What will be interesting is how many states follow their lead.

This is an unfortunate move and one that sends a clear signal to those who commit violent and heinous crimes. That does not necessarily mean that the death penalty, as carried out here in the US, discourages that kind of behavior. It just means that now we have the luxury of supporting violent criminals for the balance of their natural lives should they be convicted in that state.

I am not sure where you stand on the issue, but it is fairly clear that scripture supports the death penalty for "murder". Not only that but Jesus seemed to indicate that he had no problem with the practice, nor did Paul.

There are a variety of arguments, no doubt. Instead of me rehashing them, I will point anyone who is interested to a couple different articles on the subject.  Here is one -- and here is another.  Each are interesting reads and provide some interesting points as well as scriptural support.

Of course, since Christians are to love and forgive, we often cringe at the issue of killing people who kill people. However, the government's role is a different matter. 

Of course those Calvinists out there would have no problem since God already chooses to condemn people based on random selection anyway. We would just be hurry the inevitable along.  :)

All in all, it will be interesting to see how our government, locally and nationally handles this issue and whether or not any action is taken at the national level.  Until then, NJ can be one of those "cities of refuge" for those who choose to do the unspeakable.