Alright- I read the NT passages first since as I started going through the OT- I saw the laws handed down to the tribe of Israel pertaining to the death penalty. Obviously- many of the old laws of the OT are no longer in effect- especially the old law that pertained to salvation. Do the passages that still condone the death penalty still apply in today's world?

As to the NT, the first passage you gave me (the Acts one) it just an example of someone being killed.

The 2nd one states that those who resist the government bring judgement upon themselves- it seems to me this is Holy Judgement against them. There is a part which I believe is why you mentioned it "...But if you do evil, be afraid, for it does not bear the sword without purpose; it is the servant of God to inflict wrath on the evildoer" But then it goes onto say in verse 8 that we should love one another. If we should show love and understanding- shouldn't we attempt to rehabilitate them instead of killing them? The person is a fellow image-bearer and we are in different times. God did command the killing of many for logical reasons (especially since the Israelites had a tendency to go astray once they conquered a group of people and had their ideas 'incorporated' into their religions', but should we not at least try to show these people love and understanding and attempt to show them the light? Showing love to people who showed no love, sound familiar?

Now, this being said, even a repentant soul must pay for their sins- but a repentant soul is spared the damnation from Him through the sacrifice of His son. Should this not be a model for us too? My $0.02 US.

Last edited by Young Catholic; Fri Jun 22, 2007 9:15 PM.
Gloria Patri et Filii et Spiritu Sancti, Amen!

"For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of affliction, to give you an end and patience. "