The death penalty : a Christian perspective

Abstract

With reference to the focus of this dissertation on capital punishment, critical reflection shall consist of a brief introduction implying the current world status on capital punishment and my interests as a student of theology in this field. Moreover no study would be complete without the implementation of the concept of praxis : that is the critical relationship between theory and practice, whereby each is dialectically influenced and transformed by the other. That is why the first chapter shall briefly attempt a historical understanding of the evolution of the church's doctrine with particular emphasis on medieval Christianity. Meanwhile as the German theologian Jurgen Moltmann once noted: "Theology will always have to start from the fact that it speaks about the very reality of man that also confronts sociology". Therefore the second and third chapters will attempt a sociological and to a lesser extent a psychological argumentation of both retentionist movements and abolitionist, in order that one may arrive at an unbiased conclusion. No matter what reason a government gives for executing prisoners and hence offenders, and what method of execution is used, the death penalty cannot be separated from the issue of human rights, an issue which shall be discussed in the fourth chapter. This study springs out of a holistic faith and a commitment to integrate that faith into even the most painful and harsh realities of life. This however would not be complete without an enquiry into the shift in theological perspective - a shift which although I think is still in the process of maturation will most definitely enlighten all those concerned with the penal system in the final journey towards the third Christian millenium.