Wandering thoughts on the Death Penalty

Life is precious and a divine gift and I think that is a position most people who call themselves pro-life would acknowledge; however, I find it awkward that when it comes to discussing the death penalty how some pro-lifers balk or wish to avoid the subject.

I have written on the death penalty before and how in certain circumstances it can be considered and used for the protection of members of society, but in this modern age which has at its disposal so many forms of punishment and a more thorough understanding of social ills and psychological problems, it is perplexing how such an extreme measure can still be used regularly.

There are many positions put forward in favor the death penalty for cases of murder including the prevention of recidivism, yet one has always stuck out in my mind, and it is the use of captial punishment to provide closure for the victim’s family. This is a position that I must disagree with, as it has often been found that the execution of murderer does not provide closure; rather, the gaping hole still exists and negative feelings are often compounded by  the execution; the loss still exists.

I believe the position on the death penalty essentially boils down to who we are. If we are indeed made in the image and likeness of God, then this inherent and special dignity should be preserved and respected. It is well understood that the death penalty is used in extreme cases where a person would likely cause grave harm to society and continue to kill, but questions should be raised on those crimes which carry mandatory death sentences; for example, drug trafficking. Consideration should be put forward to the causes of this type crime and remedies sought; additionally, mitigating factors should not be excluded as there are often situations where people are coerced to ferry drugs; also, the efficacy of the death penalty should be viewed in the light of deterrence. Would a lengthy prison sentence provide an equal or similar deterrent value to capital punishment? There is no doubt that capital punishment is effective as it prevents recidivism, but does it allow for a person to reform their life and attempt to repair the wrongs they have done? It is true that a person has to pay their debt to society, but the spilling of more blood is hardly the answer; violence begets violence.

I guess deep down my point is that people should try to be life giving and affirming in their decisions. The culture is well past mentality that followed lex talionis. Decisions should be made as much as humanly possible to respect human life and not to compound it by more death, and to allow those in darkness to find light.