THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE PERMIT me to respond to an article by Dr. Orville Taylor in The Sunday Gleaner of March 12, entitled 'Hang on?' He has made a gross error in saying, "The truth is, Christians have no biblical foundation for supporting the death penalty."
The death penalty was instituted by God himself before either Judaism or Islam came into being. Genesis 9: 5-6 records God's words to Noah, after the flood. "Whosoever sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God made he man." (V6 KJV)
MOSAIC LAW
It continued under the Mosaic law, and has not been abolished by God. As a matter of fact, Christianity started with Jesus paying the death penalty. The thieves who were crucified at the same time, paid the penalty, although Jesus forgave the repentant one. If he had intended to abolish the death penalty he would have told him to walk free; Jesus had the power to do so.
The New Testament church which is the Christian Church, in Romans 13:1-5 acknowledges the power of the state to execute the penalty on those who break the law. I quote: "The powers (rulers) that exist are ordained by God ... but if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword (meaning instrument of execution) in vain." (Romans 13: 1-5 NIV) So whether it is the hangman's noose, a gun or an electric chair, there must be capital punishment, or God would seem to be unjust.
I am, etc.,
IVY HARVEY
Gregory Park P.O.
St Catherine
