The question of this discussion post is could there be alternatives to capital
punishment. The answer is blurred. When discussing capital punishment J.
Busziszewski concluded, “The reason for this focus is that the question of mercy
arises only on the assumption that some crime does deserve death. It would
seem that at least death deserves death, that nothing less is sufficient to answer
the gravity of the deed.” (Budziszewski, 2004, 39). In the Old Testament the Bible
was noticeably clear on punishment. If someone murdered, then they were to be
slain as well. However, do I believe this to be a just punishment for murder since
we are supposed to also be forgiving and loving as Christians. It is truly a tough
question.
I do not necessarily think that murder should mean death. I think there are other
ways to punish someone for a crime. However, I do not know the most effective
way to punish someone that has committed murder. Reason being, there are
different circumstances for murder. Someone could have accidentally killed
someone with their vehicle, or it could have been in someway an accident. Then
in these circumstances the punishment of death seems extreme. However, when
you have someone like a serial killer or terrorist who has no care for another
human then is there a way to rehabilitate such a person?
However, murder is not the only crime that happens in the world. Illegal drug use
has become predominant in the world in modern times. You hear stories of
someone getting caught with a bag of marijuana being put away for years and
years, and then someone who raped someone getting a lesser sentence. This
does not make sense, and this is where the legal system is in the wrong. There
should be other ways for punishment, and therefore it is important to reflect upon
other ways of capital punishment.
When offering an alternative to capital punishment Robert McQuilkin and Paul
Copan concluded, “There is one present form of punishment that could be greatly
expanded—the monetary fine or expropriation of property. The convicted criminal
could be required to pay a stipulated amount to the victim and to the government
(for costs of apprehension and prosecution) in monthly installments if necessary.”
(McQuilkin and Copan, 2013, 437). This seems like a good way to punish
someone because people care about money. However, I do see a flaw in this way
of punishment because if the person has no money, then how would they
payback the victims. They may end up turning to more crime to get the heat off
their backs. Maybe when it is lesser crimes maybe counseling and interventions
could be the answer.
Word Count: 448
Bibliography
Budziszewski, J. “Capital Punishment: The Case for Justice.” First Things. 145.
(2004): 39-45. g g g Accessed April 22, 2021. https://web-a-ebscohost-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/ehost/
g g g g g g g g g g pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=0&sid=43057173-9f38-402c-
81aea36e88499ee5%40sessionmgr4006.
McQuilkin, Robert and Paul Copan. An Introduction to Biblical Ethics: Walking in the
Way of g g g g Wisdom. Downer’s Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2013. ISBN:
9780830828180.
