the death penalty

i have been thinking about this for a very, very long time. i used to be very confident in my belief that we should have the death penalty. i have begun thinking though about whether or not i should have that belief. i can honestly say that if a crime is committed against a child i have no problem with the death penalty. i cannot find it in myself to give that individual forgiveness.

for example the casey anthony trial. i cannot comprehend in my mind how a mother could do this to a child. the idea that she would rather kill her child so she could have a "good time" disgusts me. actually, pretty much all parents that hurt a child is disgusting to me. sexual abuse just pushes me over the edge. i guess it's because i grew with a mom that was a social worker and knew the horrors of this crime.

when bin laden was killed i have to say that i had very mixed emotions about his death. i was overjoyed that he was dead, and then i thought for a moment on whether he had deserved a trial for his crimes. i think about men and women that have committed such horrors against humanity and whether they deserve to die. i don't know what to think about this and that's the problem.

when i hear stories about women being stoned to death in the middle east for committing even adultery i am disgusted, but then i think don't we do the same in our judgement on whom should die. how do we decide on who should die and who shouldn't? i always think about paul and what crimes he committed against christians. what would we have done if he had not been apart of the word of GOD.

i know for many they don't see abortion as murder because of what the circumstance is on how the child was physically created. isn't a heartbeat a heartbeat? we may not think that individual should have a child and they probably shouldn't, but GOD created that child before any of us had even conceived that child in our mind.

i always ask myself what would i want to do if someone hurt my family, or my children? the honest answer would be that i would want them dead. i read a book sometime ago about woman who's parents were killed by another member of their church congregation and she forgave him. she is a better woman than i could be.

"21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder,[a] and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister[b][c] will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’[d] is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny." matthew 5:21-26


"38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." matthew 5:38-42