Christianity & the Death Penalty (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B)

Christianity: The nature and purpose of capital punishment

What is capital punishment?

• Capital punishment is when a person is killed as punishment for their crimes, through use of the electric chair, hanging, lethal injection or other means

• The death penalty is usually punishment for the crime of murder and is used in some states of America and many Islamic countries

• The death penalty was used in Great Britain until 1965

Christianity and capital punishment?

• Christians believe that God forgives everyone for the bad things they have done

• Jesus also forgave people in his life; he even asked God to forgive the people who crucified him when he was dying

• Christians try to follow this example by forgiving people themselves

  • For example, Pope John Paul II asked for mercy on the person who tried to assassinate him 

• However, Christians also believe in the importance of justice and that forgiveness and punishment can go together

• Like many issues, there is a variety of opinion amongst Christians on the issue of capital punishment

Christianity in support of capital punishment

• The Old Testament says, ‘An eye for an eye’ (Exodus 21: 24), so some Christians argue that if someone takes another life they should be made to pay for it with their own life 

• Capital punishment protects the weak in society by acting as a deterrent to prevent murder 

• If someone has taken a life, they need to die to protect society

Christianity against capital punishment

• Christians believe in the sanctity of life, meaning that all life is a sacred gift from God, and only He can decide when life ends

  • We were all created ‘in God’s image’ (Genesis 1: 26) and so our life is sacred 

•  In the 10 Commandments it says, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ and this includes capital punishment

• Jesus taught compassion and not revenge

  • Jesus told Christians to ‘turn the other cheek’ (Matthew 5: 39) 

•  Christians believe that It is up to God to punish the wicked, not human beings

• The Quaker Movement is totally against capital punishment

  • The Quakers campaign against capital punishment 

  • They say that all life should be respected and that no-one has the right to end life but God (sanctity of life) 

  • They also argue that punishments should be used to reform people and clearly this is not the aim of capital punishment

Non-religious attitudes towards capital punishment

What are non-religious arguments towards capital punishment?

• Non-religious attitudes toward capital punishment are shaped by a variety of ethical, legal, and social considerations rather than religious teachings

  • These perspectives often centre on concepts such as human rights, justice and rehabilitation

  • While individuals and groups who hold non-religious views may vary widely in their stance on the death penalty, several key arguments commonly shape their attitudes

• A central non-religious argument against capital punishment is rooted in the concept of human rights

  • Many secular humanists, and human rights advocates, believe that no government or institution should have the power to take a human life

  • This view is often based on the following arguments:

    • Universal Right to Life: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) asserts that ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person’ and capital punishment is seen as a violation of this fundamental human right

    • One of the strongest arguments against the death penalty is the risk of wrongful convictions because once a person is executed, any potential error is permanent, with no opportunity for correction

• Another common argument in debates about the death penalty is whether it effectively deters crime

  • Non-religious proponents of capital punishment may argue that the death penalty acts as a deterrent to serious crimes such as murder, terrorism, or drug trafficking

    • However, the weight of research and statistics does not strongly support this argument, with numerous studies showing that countries or regions with the death penalty do not have lower rates of violent crime or murder compared to those that have abolished it

  • Non-religious critics of capital punishment often argue that other forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment without parole, can serve as an equally effective deterrent without the problems associated with the death penalty

• Many non-religious individuals, particularly those who support rehabilitation over punitive retribution, argue against the death penalty

  • The focus here is on the belief that individuals who commit crimes can change, and society's focus should be on rehabilitating offenders rather than seeking vengeance

  • Many secular thinkers believe in the potential for individuals to reform, particularly when provided with proper rehabilitation programs, education, and psychological support

• Supporters of the death penalty often argue that it is a form of retributive justice and that the punishment should fit the crime and that society must send a strong message that certain acts, particularly murder, are unforgivable

• However, critics of the death penalty within a non-religious framework argue that revenge or retribution is an outdated and ethically problematic motive for punishment, especially when other, less extreme measures can be taken

• Other non-religious views may focus on the financial considerations or the impact on the victims of crime

Ethical Theories on Capital Punishment

Humanist views on capital punishment

• Humanism is a secular worldview that emphasises human values, individual dignity, and the importance of reason, empathy, and justice in creating a fair and compassionate society

• Humanists typically advocate for non-religious approaches to moral questions and base their stance on human well-being and human rights rather than divine commandments or religious doctrine

• Overall, humanist views on capital punishment are largely opposed to its use

  • These views are grounded in a commitment to human dignity, reason, evidence-based policies, and human rights

• Humanists tend to argue that:

  • The death penalty violates the right to life and undermines human dignity

  • The risk of wrongful convictions makes it an unjustifiable punishment

  • There is no strong evidence that the death penalty is a more effective deterrent than other forms of punishment

  • The death penalty is disproportionately applied in ways that are racially, economically, and socially biased

  • A more just and ethical approach to justice would emphasise rehabilitation rather than retribution

• Because of these reasons, many humanists believe the death penalty is an outdated, ineffective, and morally indefensible practice

• Instead, they advocate for a justice system that focuses on rehabilitation, reform, and respect for human rights

The view of situation ethics on capital punishment

• In Situation Ethics, there is no fixed rule regarding capital punishment

  • Instead, each case would need to be evaluated based on the particular context, with the primary focus being on the most loving outcome for all involved

• Decisions relating to capital punishment would therefore be based upon the following considerations

  • Considering the well-being of the victim and their family, while also focusing on justice and healing

  • Recognising the potential for rehabilitation and redemption for the offender

  • Weighing the risks of wrongful execution and ensuring that the punishment is proportionate and just

  • Rejecting the use of capital punishment if it perpetuates injustice, causes unnecessary harm, or is shown to be ineffective

• Given these considerations, Situation Ethics would likely be opposed to capital punishment in many cases, particularly if there is any doubt about the fairness, effectiveness, or humanity of the practice

• However, each case would need to be judged on its own merits, with the ultimate goal being the promotion of love, justice, and human dignity

Christian responses to ethical theories on capital punishment

• Many Christians would agree with ethical theories on capital punishment because they are based upon Christian values of love, compassion and justice

• Some Christians, who agree with the death penalty may be against some ethical theories who are against capital punishment because they believe that Biblical references like, ‘an eye for an eye’ indicate that retribution is encouraged