Quote:
Originally Posted by AnotherKD
Could you tell me what the positive gain would be for keeping this person alive and in prison for the rest of his life? Do you see any problem with the Bible saying both "Thou Shalt Not Kill" but also saying "An eye for an eye"?
I'm asking these questions with no hint of sarcasm or insult- I am truly interested in your answer. I've never really asked someone before.
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Hmmm...okay I don't really think of it too much in a Biblical context, it's always just been what I feel on the matter. Well, aside from my believing no human has the right to take the life of another no matter what they've done...I mean, I can't say they don't deserve to die because they may very well, but IMO it's not up to anyone but God to take a life that He created.
But let me just say that (speaking in realms outside of the Bible) I've never seen death like most people so I've never seen ending someone's life as a punishment. When someone is executed (in this country) it's usually lethal injection or something else that goes really quickly. They are made quite comfortable with sedatives before they just slip away, quicker and easier than falling asleep. While he's alive, he could be racked with guilt, remorse, and shame. If he has no remorse, he will at least feel the punishment of being locked up with no freedom. Plus, jails have programs that put prisoners to work so he'll forced to be useful and do some good in this world. But if he's dead, he doesn't feel anything, he's not good for anything, he's not aware of the horrors he's committed. He's made quiet comfortable, sedated, then it's over quick and easy as falling asleep. Where's the punishment in that? If I have to live the rest of my life being tortured by the pain of losing my loved one, why would I feel better that the evil man who stole them from me is in the ground with not a care in the world?
Now, as fas as the conflicting verses, you're right, the Bible says both. However, that Commandment ("do not kill") was given directly to Moses by God, but the Exodus reference ("an eye for an eye") was more in reference to Jewish law. The courts are to instruct a man to give his eye if he took the eye of another (note: he is instructed to do it himself, no third person or court personnel makes it their business to do it to him). I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure it's not particularly what God says but an example of the law of the people. Plus, Jesus refutes this statement in Matthew 5 anyway, telling people NOT to retaliate but instead "turn the other cheek." I hope I answered you okay!
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