capital punishment Flashcards
(5 cards)
Catholics teaching on capital punishment prior to 2018
consistent teachings of the catholic church for last 2000 years has been that capital punishment is allowed but should not be encouraged. 1995, Pope John Paul II wrote an encyclical letter called ‘Evangelium Vitae” + said capital punishment should be avoided unless it’s the only way to protect society. New testament, Jesus does not speak directly in support of it, but he does not deny the use of it either
catholics teaching on capital punishment after 2018
2018, Magisterium led by Pope Francis revised the teaching + supports the view that the death penalty should be abolished worldwide. Pope Francis revised the teaching of the Catechism + said capital punishment “attacks the dignity” of a person + should be abolished worldwide.
arguments in favour of capital punishment
many people argue in favour (religious + non)
reasons: some christian’s argue the bible (old testament) states that capital punishment should be used for a number of offences. also teaches “an eye for an eye” and a message of retribution. death penalty a good form of deterrence + a way of protecting society. before 2018 Catholic Church taught that it could protect people. also seen as a fair punishment for someone who takes the life of another person
arguments against capital punishment
- some christian’s argue that it breaks the commandment “Do not kill” + goes against sanctity of life
- bible states humans are made in the image of God and Catherine of Siena said humans are the pinnacles of creation
- jesus taught a message of forgiveness + said we should “love our enemies”
- st augustine taught we cannot reform someone who is dead + Pope Francis says we should say “yes to life, and no to death”.
- statistics show that it does not reduce crime rate and sometimes innocent people can be put to death
sources if authority
“In the light of the Gospel, the death penalty is an attack on dignity of the person” Magisterium
