Isn't it depended on the state, where one lives in? I think the means are the same for every execution in each state according to the laws of that state.

Snake, aren't we supposed to not consider parts of the Old Testament, which have been overruled in the New Testament? I mean, it is taking it out of context when you quote from the Old Testament and do not consider what was changed in the New Testament. Pig was considered unclean to eat for Jews, men must have been circumcised, a woman who had recently given birth must have had some animal to be sacrificed depended on the sex of her baby and many other things that were voided in the New Testament. I believe if you are going to go with the Bible, then you have to consider all the changes that was made to it as well.

One thing that might be interesting to you is that when Islam came, all I mentioned above were rolled back in place. I kind of think it was more the custom of the region, rather than the laws of God, because people didn't buy Christianity in its birthplace very well. I mean yesterday you were told you are not to eat ham and today it is all right?!!

I think everyone already knows that I believe in a secular state, I don't mean that laws should be completely based on religions anyway, they can change according to the needs of the society and no one should be so sacred when they conveniently hide behind Holy books to do their way.

I don't know either plaw. It is completely human that you lie to save your life. It is divine if you didn't and stick to your principals. I don't know if I don't break in such condition...

1) I don't think anyone can give a true answer unless they are actually in the situation.

2) I would think it would depend on outside forces. Say you are accused of killing a 5 year old girl. Now you are given the chance to apologize and stay in prison your whole life. But your family starts receiving death threats, or your wife is attacked or threatened, all of these things happening to your family. I would think the outside influnces would be MORE than principles.

It all depends on what means of execution each state has. For instance, Virginia has both the lethal injection and the electric chair. If someone is convicted of a crime and sentenced to death, that said individual has the right to choose how he/she wants to be executed. Here's a link that breaks down which states actually have capital punishment, and what means they use:

Methods of Execution

Although I agree to some extend, It is still your principles that tells you should protect your family.

xXx, The description of each of the methods of execution in the link you posted made me sick. Imagining each of these, brought the fear of death in me for a moment. I can't explain it, it is scary.

You are correct about the matter of what's known as progressive revelation. However, certain commands are not ruled null and void with the First Advent of Christ. Those with "eternal principles" behind them, for example. The reasoning behind this particular command is an eternal one, not bound by time or culture. In Genesis, I believe the reasoning was because man was made in the image of God. That fact did not change in the New testament.

The death penalty is for countries such as Iran, North Korea, Yemen, etc.

I really don't undertand why the US hasn't abolished it yet.

I understand that it's supposed to scare people but:

- Real psycho's don't care about whatever punishement the might get; they're PSYCHO's!;
- The death penalty is irreversable and people (judges, juries, lawyers) do make mistakes. Even if 1 out of 1000 executed would prove to be innocent (after the sentence has been carried out) that's one too many. And this happens, over and over again.
- Life in prison with no parole is a lot worse than death, especially if you're gang-raped every now and then (this also happens, over and over again).

But hey, that's just my opinion...

Are you talking about death penalty? I've not read the whole Bible, but there are enough references in the New Testament to make me think that death penalty is voided in the New Testament.

New Testament:

Romans 13
Submission to the Authorities
1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. (NIV)

I'm wondering if his majesty would let us stop death penalty if we somehow could agree on overthrowing such a law. :rolleyes:

The problem is, we don't have authorities established by God at the moment. If you really want to see authorities who hide behind Holy books to make people what they want, be my guest at my house for a while and live here. You'll see why I say we can not have laws completely based on religion and authorities, who are untouchable and sacred.

The idea is that the authoritites (all authorities) are ultimately under God's sovereign control, whether they acknowledge Him or not. Compare Proverbs 21:

1 The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD;
he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.
(NIV)

Aw... That explains things. Our authorities have no heart to be controlled. But seriously, you need to accept my invitation.

I can imagine. Frankly, I can even think of some Christians whom I wouldn't want in authority! I'm not one of these who believes in protesting for moral legislation, etc., because I believe in Prov. 21 and accept it, for better or worse. To illicit change, you have to work on a person's heart. Until the heart's changed, all the protesting in the world isn't gonna do a thing...except maybe really make the religious communtiy look like a bunch of self-righteous pigs. I don't recall hearing of Jesus walking around Rome and protesting, nor any of His disciples. Just my 2 cents.

I'm wondering if his majesty would let us stop death penalty if we somehow could agree on overthrowing such a law. :rolleyes: [/b][/quote]Who do you mean by his majesty?

NOTE: In case it's anyone else than our (my) Queen Beatrix, I DON'T BOW. Especially not for any socalled God, Allah, Buddha, Mickey Mouse or The Tooth Fairy.

I do however think that any citizen should obey the laws of his / her country, above any other law, including (or even: especially) the laws of socalled gods, allah's, buddha's, etc. or else move to a country where the government and church are one, such as Iran or as Afghanistan used to be (Where the Taliban quoted a similar book as you seem to be quoting)...very cosy and nice living there.

I meant you. You said it is for us, that's why I said that. Read sarcasm.

Oooooo...

I meant you. You said it is for us, that's why I said that. Read sarcasm. [/b][/quote]Aaah, of course!

OK:

"I hereby declare the death penalty abolished"