Can anyone who believes in the teachings of Christ explain why you believe (if you do) that the death penalty is right?Jesus told us to love our enemies, and if someone srikes us, to turn the other cheek.If you quote the Old Testament and Ignore the New Testament, how can you be a Christian? A Christian is someone who believes in Christ..and Christ was a pacifist.He forgave those who would otherwise have been killed by capital punsishment(the adultress who would have beened stoned, etc)."Let he who is without sin cast the first stone" That says it all right there.We do not have the right to judge others for their sins becuase we ourselves sin. And since no one is perfect, it is up to God to judge us..man cannot be the judge of man.Now, as a society, we have to set up rules and consequences to protect ourselves, right? You may say, what else are we going to do with them? The Death Penalty should not be a question of what is convenient, or how we personally feel but what is right, right?
128641
Wow...you hit a very old and debated question.\n\nA few thoughts:\nIf no crime deserves the death penalty, then it is hard to see why it was fitting that Christ be put to death for our sins and crucified among thieves.\n\nRomans 13:4:\n"is not without purpose that the ruler carries the sword. He is God’s servant, to inflict his avenging wrath upon the wrongdoer"\n\nMatthew 26:52:\n"...for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." -Jesus Christ\n\nActs 25:11:\nPaul states: "If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die."\n\nJohn 19:10,11:\n"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?"  Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above..."  \nJesus reminds Pilate that the implementation of the death penalty is a divinely entrusted responsibility that is to be justly implemented.\n\nYou remember when Jesus was on the cross and one of the thieves said "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve."?  Neither God nor Jesus nor the Holy Spirit nor the prophets nor the apostles ever spoke out against the civil authorities use of executions in deserving cases - not even at the very time of Jesus’ own execution when He pardoned the sins of the thief, who was being crucified along side Him. In fact, quite the opposite. Their biblical support for capital punishment is consistent and overwhelming. Furthermore, Jesus never confuses the requirements of civil justice with those of either eternal justice or personal relations.\n\nI think that is enough...
663256
ooo christians about evolution!\n\ntry this one too:  the death penalty, but isn't that a commandment - thou shall not kill?  but you support bush whose for the death penalty?  hmm, doesn't sound very christian to me.
170134
That is a good question, ESPECIALLY when God said that he will do away with Wars once and for all (Isa. 2:4, Dan. 2:44) Why would a God fearing person want to go to war if God himself said he was going to do away with wars.  There is no issue about freedom here, because if we belong to Christ, as Christians state, they already ARE free.\n\nAdd on top of that the fact that war is murder and murderers will not inherit God's kingdom  (Rev. 21:8)  True Christians would not go to, or support, war.
324459
All true Christians know this there are sects which call themselves Christian that do not believe this.According to Christian doctrine Christ would have to be God. Our salvation dep0end upon it as Christ was sacrificed for our sins. It is a Christian belief that no man could overcome sin because man is falible and that the wages of sin is death. Therefore no created being was perfect there was no one who couold save us from our sin. God who loved us so much even in our sin. Had mercy upon mankind and came down to us to be tempted by the devil to overcome all the temptations of mankind as a man and to be sacrificed to pay the penalty for all who accept him.
580729
Why would this majority rule then be correct? As in, who gives you the right over someone else? You'll force them? That doesn't make sense. Beyond this, I'd love to see a transcultural model that actually works. It won't. Because guess what? Are you going to let everyone practice religion? Whatever one they want? Even if it goes against your code? If you don't, this won't work. Also, if you apply certain moral codes, and someone doesn't ascribe to them, so what? What are you gonna do? Punish them for bad morals? If you don't, then what was the purpose in the first place? If you do, then you have become an oppressive society. And before you become one of those you had better be sure you know what you're doing. Another point, because everyone believes it doesn't make it right. What if you wanted to amend it later on to say that killing is OK? Would it then be OK? If you have a universal standard of morality, then it can't change, otherwise what's the point? If it can't change, then majority rule is not the determining factor of universal moral guidelines. So what makes your first majority any more special than the ones to come? This is illogical, impractical and unfeasible at best.
118578
My understanding is that the law was over, caput, done with when Jesus died on the cross. Jesus said, I came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. Read the book of Romans, written by Paul, he explains very well. If you are new to scripture, you might want to try the "Word" translation. We human beings are so innately depraved and clueless - (a legacy from Adam - check your scripture crosswalk.com = it has a search engine)- that there was/is *nothing* we could ever *do* that would save us. It required that Jesus become flesh and that *He* take on all of our sins... that's how we're saved. By grace. There is no way to *earn* your way. It is a gift from God - GRACE - and it can't be earned. It;s given when you accept that Jesus is the son of God and that His purpose was to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. The operative word here: "do."\n One more thing: God *always* loves us. The question for us is: "Do we *trust* HIm? Obey? If you're believing, you're "obeying." He left only 2 commandments: Love me as I love you and love your neighbors. That second one is tough... oftentimes impossible. I've got neighbors - or people I just come across that I'd like to take a baseball bat to... then I remember that the commandment wasn't "Love your neighbors - except those who make you want to hit them with a baseball bat." This Christian walk is not easy and it doesn't require you to DO anything to receive God's love. Romans and the letters to the seven churches in teh NT all speak to Christ's intentions: Look at how he behaved: he loved and he acted in love. And that ain't easy to do all the time. I try and get it maybe 30-40% of hte time. And still, He's got me covered. \n Scripture will tell you all you need to know. Prepare and ask to know what God's will is for you... he's not a Fairy Godmother - damn it all - but as you are ready you will be shown. Bless you.
434446
Yes indeed.I was studying these issues myself.Here's my conviction.Justification is only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and it is once and for all.Let God be true and man a liar.The transaction is done once and for all.The seal is done and no one can steal it from Christ.However,if you read the book of Revelation along with Daniel you will see that in the white throne judgement the believers in Christ and those who have rejected Christ will be separated by Christ himself like sheep is separated from goats.Which is a very sad thing and that is the reason why we Christians are supposed to be the salt of  the earth and light.So we (The believers in Christ )escape the final judgement.But all is not over.Now starts the judgement of the believers---do we enter heaven with honour or in dishonour?That is question we all need to ask now.Imagine living the rest of our lives in dishonour.Do we have any crowns to lay at His feet as our worship in eternity or not ,or shall we go empty handed standing before the Lord,with our heads hanging in shame???That is why Paul refers our life on earth like that of an athelete---breasting the tape alone will not determine our award but whether we are following the rules applicable;if an athelete does not follow rules of the race then imagine after running the race and comming 1st only to be told publicly he is disqualified for the award.That is very sad indeed!!!There are many more illustrations from every day life given in the Bible from which we all can understand simply.I believe God did not give His Word to us to keep it as a secret,his love for mankind was made a public spectacle when Christ gave his life on the cross willingly (and yet the world rejects it so much tragecally!!)so that you and I and all those who believe may not perish but have everlasting life.We are now co-heirs with Christ, therefore we inherit the Kingdom of heaven, not because of our deeds but by the act of Christ on the Cross.He gave us the authority to His children therefore we will live with him in heaven after our life on earth is over.Capture the image of the scene of the rupture!!!Oh! Death where is your sting!!!It is so powerful.He loves people His creation that he does not want even one to perish but it is we who reject His salvation for mankind.Jesus is a thorough gentleman, he never forces His way into anyone's life.His love is for the asking only.His heart is to preserve. I love The Word of God because it is so alive and speaking to me even in this decade.I also trust that  even as you seek the many question if you seek with all your heart He shall reveal it and The Truth shall set you free indeed.So the bottom line is whether we will enter heaven in honour or in shame?Amen.
650718
I definately agree with you.  Other than Jesus was God's son, supposedly, why was his crucifixtion so important...he wasn't the only one that was crucified and tortured.  There is a lot in the Bible that can be scrutinized over and there is always going to be people who believe in different things.  The Christians who were taught that they cannot think anything other than God is God and Jesus is the son of God and that everything happens because God wants it to will never change their mind about it.  I have asked questions like this and people say I am ignorant for asking these questions...I say they are because they don't question anything or think for themselves.  How merciful a God we have that allows molestation and slow painful deaths for innocent children with cancer and AIDS.  I am not sure on the answers for a lot of your questions...I know that I believe there is a God...I do not however believe in Him in the way others do...I believe He is there to watch out over his children like a father does and no ones father is perfect...neither is God.  Everyone has their faults including God.  The Bible was made by man not by God.  It is all mans interpretation of what God told them and maybe that is why we are being punished now is because those people as well did not interpret God's word the way He told them to do so.  You have great questions!  Just believe what you want and what you know inside yourself is right.  There will always be someone who will say you are wrong or whatever...but God made us the way we are...made us have doubts and if you...this is going to sound cheesy...listen to yourself you will know it is God who is putting that belief inside of you.  I have hardly read the Bible by the way...I just believe what is in my heart and what makes sense to me.    I hope all that made sense to you.
62023
For me, a belief in God through Jesus Christ is not a vehicle by which I seek to attain the lofty heights of “good person” status, neither is it inspired by something as vague as a “feel”. It is far more definite than that and I thank the Lord that He has helped me to see these things with clarity.\n\nBut getting back to the crux your question, there are many people that have led a more righteous life than I (and others professing to be Christian), who perhaps from our limited human perspective would “deserve” to be way ahead in the queue for receiving God’s salvation.\n\nThe properly understood, “Good News” of the Gospel however is that we do not (and can not) receive the gift of God’s salvation by means of any good deeds or works that we can muster. There is simply nothing that we can do well enough to “earn” our salvation.\n\nWe need no preparation, (it’s futile), we come as we are (because God’s love is unconditional), we do not put it off (it’s the devil at work), we place our trust in Jesus, the Son of God (His blood, our only means of salvation), and we believe it in our hearts, confess with our lips and receive…… We are born again …...and with God’s help and the guidance of His Holy Spirit we become His “work in progress”.\n\nAs for being a good person, I believe that every true Christian strives to fit that bill as indeed plenty of non-Christians do also.  You do not need to be Christian to be good, you do not become Christian by being good but good (or heading that way) is what every true Christian should be.\n\nMat 6:33\nBut seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
251218
Jesus is the one and only person who did and will ever die for our sins.  If a Christian chooses to live in sin after becoming born again (a true Christian), then they are not living the way they should.  Just because you become a Christian does not mean you will never sin again.  It means you are to turn your back on sin, do your best not to sin, and live a life that is acceptable to God.  When you do that, you will still have shortcomings...but you know that you don't have to worry about it.  You just ask for forgiveness, turn your back on that sin, and thank God for His grace.
276679
hmm... this was years before Christ.. how could you blame Christianity? Ever hear of Sodom and Gomorah? The flood?these are old testament judgements against the world. The wages of sin is death. But through the sacrifice of Christ all men who accept him can have eternal life.Some things in the bible have spiritual meanings and call for greater understanding than many here are ready for.and some things can be taken out of context. Read the bible pray about it have faith in Jesus and God will show you many things. The simple Gospel is clear and it really is all anyone would need to know to be saved John 3:16. its a great place to start.... take your first steps first...your wanting great bible understanding before you have the basics.
659351
First,  it is a good thing that you question, and don't believe what you have quote about Jesus.\n\nI will start with what Jesus said.  He said you can't serve two lords, money and God,  a person must put his faith in God, and not money over God.  Quote:"It is easier for a camel to enter the eye of the needle than a rich man can enter Heaven."  forgive any mistakes, it is not word by word quote, but Jesus wanted us to know that we should be serving God, not money.  FYI, the eye of the needle refers to one of the gates to Jerusalem.  The door is small, and camels couldn't enter through that gate without bending over, and for camels that is impossible.  \nYou can't buy your way into heaven, nor get your sin forgiven by paying for it.  Jesus preached kindness, justice, and advocated charity to all the needy.  It is required for a Christian to give to the poor.  He also said, whatever you give you will get in return, same as Karma.\nHuman gas factors! where not churches they were a places of hate, a places of destruction, not a places of worship.\n\nAs for the Killing!  It is not Christianity that called for the killing of others, whether it is Muslims or any other people, it is people who are the killers.  If you look,  you will find that the Christians are not the one who are killing the Muslims, but the other way around.   Some Muslims are killing Christian, Buddhist  and Hindus.  Some of them kill because they believe that is what their religion ask them to do, and some translate the Quran in a way to suit the purpose of the day.  The Muslims are the one who calls for conquring the world, and converting the whole world into Islam, not Christians.\n\nI believe in my faith because of Jesus Christ.  How he lived his life, how he treated others, Didn't lead a single war, even thou at his time they were under the control of the Romain, but never took violence to solve it.  Never owned a human being, not one slave.  Treated everyone as equal.  He practiced what he preached, among many more reasons.\n\nTo me it is The religion, but it doesn't discount nor discredit other religion who do ask for human rights to be respected, and justice for all.\n\nA true religion to me is the religion which ask its' faithful to treat each others as they would they want them to be treated.  To love one another, no matter who or what they are.  The name of the religion is not important, it is what people do with their faith is the most important.\n\nPeace to one and ALL
604230
It depends on the Muslim. Like Christianity, there are lots of different interpretations of the faith, and lots of people trying to force the faith to fit around what they *want* to believe (To quote Mr Hicks, "I believe what God *meant* to say was...").\n\nApparently some christians are trying to 'reinterpret' one of the ten commandments from "Thou shalt not kill" to "Thou shalt not murder", and then interpret murder in such a way that if the state kills, it's not murder. All so they can justify the death penalty.\n\nYou've got to admire the effort they've gone to. Most people just turn a blind eye.\n\n\nAaaanyway, soon the Flying Spaghetti Monster will return, and sort all those heretics out.\n\nRamen.
177521
Most people don't think of the harm they induce on themselves, and believe that their way is right, and most of them don't even think about giving their life to Christ. Some of them want to be in the "in crowd" or they don't want to sacrifice the things of this world. But we as Christians have to be an example for them, to show them that Christ can have control over their life and they still can have good wholesome fun. And what peace he gives us. And indescribable blessings we receive. We must tell them that Jesus is on his way back SOON and we must be born again in Christ to gain eternal life in Heaven.
583421
Being good is not enough and not even for a christian. We can't continue in sin and expect God to reward us Heaven. God is not willing to turn his back on us if we do the right thing and that's serve him wholeheartedly. God is merciful and forgiven but we must repent and turn away from that lifestyle or sin.
266939
First, I believe you cease to exist.  Then, if there is a God then he must be a just god.  I raised 4 children.  When they misbehaved they got punished.  But I never burned them nor did I punish them for the rest of their lives.  If the bible is true then I am made in god's image.  Unjust punishment is repulsive to me.  The thought of burning people actually was something the pagans did, casting their children into the fire before their god Mo'lech.  The bible says that was something that never came up into his (God's) heart.  (Jer. 32:35)  If that is true then HELL must be something religious leaders invented to scare their partitioners into following THEIR laws. (i.e. contributions)\n\nThe bible says the wage sin pays is death (Romans 6:23).  Therefore, whoever dies has paid for their sin.  Why would they be punished after suffering death?  Doesn't seem just to me.  What's more astounding is the thought of no parole.  Suffer eternity for what you did in only one lifetime?  I thought God was supposed to be just.\n\nSo, I know (believe) that at death you simply sleep a sleep from which there is no dreaming nor awakening.
65451
You are probably basing this question on the notion that Christians should not kill because of the Ten Commandments. This is a leftist notion and interpretation of the Bible and Christianity that supports pacifism, as well as the political systems that support pacifist ideology in society. \n\nThe original Hebrew text for the Ten Commandments states that thou shalt not murder, not thou shalt not kill - BIG difference in both motive and reasoning! \n\nSelf-defense in society, and serving in the military obeying orders, removes one's responsibility from the question you pose. In the military situation, the responsibility falls on those in leadership. Those soldiers in theater are not held responsible for their actions - on either side of the conflict. \n\nMotive matters: regardless of the physical action that is perceived. Most modern Christians would say no to your question, but the book they read (The Bible) says and proves otherwise, so stick with the original text for the obvious answer to this question.