Religion, philosophy: Jesus’s view of the death penalty

Self-tutoring about the Bible: the tutor observes a trend in philosophy about the death penalty.

Pope Francis has attracted attention lately for his rejection of the death penalty. My understanding is that Francis himself takes this view in opposition to his predecessors.

I hope, soon, to post about how Pope Francis’s philosophy rejects the death penalty. For today, however, I would like to offer some background:

In the Old Testament, the death penalty is prescribed by God, including for adultery (Leviticus 20.10).

In the New Testament, Jesus is asked about the death penalty towards a woman who has committed adultery. Jesus gives the famous response, “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8.7).

The crowd disperses, leaving the woman untouched. Jesus tells her, “Neither do I condemn you…from now on sin no more.” (John 8.11)

Jesus then addresses the people:

“I am the light of the world: he who follows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8.12)

Source:

www.lifesitenews.com

umich.edu

www.openbible.info