Originally posted by Freak
Note: they both order their essays nearly identically...
Enyart writes:
Death Penalty Opposition
Biblical arguments against execution consist primarily of six arguments:
First, Jesus said:
"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you... whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." Mat. 5:38-39
Second, Jesus forgave the woman "caught in adultery, in the very act." To those arguing that she should be put to death, Jesus said:
"He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7
Third, Jesus taught believers to forgive:
"But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Mat. 6:15
Fourth, the New Testament teaches Christians not to judge:
"Judge not, that you be not judged." Mat. 7:1
Fifth, Paul taught believers to:
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse... Repay no one evil for evil... do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I Will repay," says the Lord." Rom. 12:14, 17, 19
Sixth, the Ten Commandments teach "Thou shalt not kill" (Ex. 20:13).
Then San Clairita writes:
Death Penalty Opposition (to be followed by biblical responses)
People argue against capital punishment by using Scripture in at least one of these six arguments; all eventually leading to chaos.
1. The old, "Turn the other cheek" argument.
First, Jesus said:
"Ye have heard hat it hath been said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth': But I say unto you...whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Mat. 5:38-39
2. The old, "Cast the first stone" argument.
Second, Jesus forgave the woman "caught in adultery, in the very act." To those arguing that she should be put to death, Jesus said:
"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7b
3. The old, "You must forgive people" argument.
Third, Jesus taught believers to forgive:
"But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Mat. 6:15
4. The old, "You have no right to judge" argument.
Fourth, they claim the New Testament teaches Christians not to judge:
"Judge not, that you be not judged." Mat. 7:1
5. The old, "Don't avenge yourself" argument.
Fifth, Paul taught believers to:
"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not... Recompense to no man evil for evil...avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' saith the Lord." Rom. 12:14, 17, 19
6. The old, "Thou shalt not kill" argument.
Sixth, the Ten Commandments teach "Thou shalt not kill" (Ex. 20:13).
Now that you are familiar with the six basic Scripture passages used against capital punishment, it is now time for you to get smart.