Capital Punishment is Shameful  by Carl McMurray

Last Wednesday evening after most of us went home after Bible study the State of Georgia executed a man who had pistol whipped a homeless man outside a Burger King restaurant and then shot and killed the police officer who attempted to interfere. There were 34 witnesses and it still has taken 18 years for justice to be served. During the same evening the State of Texas executed a white supremist who dragged a black man behind his truck until he died.

Both of the above cases are horrible to consider with far reaching effects I’m sure. I’m speaking of the crimes, not the executions. The executions, on the other hand, are embarrassing and shameful and they are this way for a number of reasons.

They are shameful because two undeniable murderers have lived at taxpayer expense for years with good food, medical care, color television, and access to libraries, the internet, legal counsel, and recreational equipment. It is no wonder that our prison system has revolving doors which more often than not welcome criminals, even violent ones, back into the structured life they often desire. There is no fear of punishment and capital punishment is no deterrent plainly because IT IS NOT USED. Proverbs 21:15 teaches, When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

The executions were shameful because while every humane need of these murderers was being seen to, the families of their victims were ignored, forgotten, and left to languish in grief and longing on their own. Imagine the daily prayers that went up to God in Heaven for years, crying for justice over the two husbands and fathers who were killed. Proverbs 18:5 teaches, It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the righteous of justice.

They were embarrassing because in ignorance of the facts, as well as God’s truth, self-serving rabble rousers are allowed to step up and use these rare occasions to increase ignorance, stir up emotions, and encourage racial hatred and division. We note that in Georgia there were protests and marches opposing the execution of a black man who murdered a police officer in front of 34 witnesses. In Texas there was not a sound of protest as a white man (also plainly guilty) was executed. Why is the execution of a black murderer protested while no protest arises on behalf of the white murderer. BOTH were guilty. Plainly there is the appearance of using the execution of a black man (no matter how guilty) as a reason to stir up racial hatred. It is shameful to use people in this way, to hurt our communities by encouraging racial division, and knowingly lie about the matter in the process.  Proverbs 28:5 teaches, Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it completely.

They were shameful because such executions are so rare that they make national news. There are over 3,000 jury convicted people on death row in this country with murders taking place daily across the land and yet executions each year can be counted on one hand with several fingers left over. Most executions are limited to the South, although Indiana did execute a federal prisoner last year, the first since 1975 when the death penalty was reinstated. Contrary to Romans the thirteenth chapter, it appears that our government does indeed, bear the sword in vain.

They were shameful because while our government is focused on the life or death decisions like telling us what kind of light bulbs we must use, how much sugar we can have in our soda, and whether McDonalds can put toys in their Happy Meals; they ignore their real purpose “under God,” i.e., to bear the sword against the evil doer.  While our leaders continue to tax the law keepers into poverty and submission the law breakers are ignored and/or coddled, and sometimes even rewarded with public office, large salaries, and exemption from prosecution. The cry that may soon be heard in our nation is the cry of David in Psalm 83:3: Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.

Events like last week’s are like a woman who cooks a decent meal for her husband once a year; or a husband who goes out and works to support himself and his family one day a year. Although they are doing the right thing, for once, such is not a cause for rejoicing. Such practices only serve to emphasize and bring attention to the fact that here is one who is failing miserably to meet their God-given responsibilities. Godly men and women would just note such pitiful offerings and shake their heads at the shame and embarrassment of such a show.

Likewise, the rare occasions of capital punishment in our country are shameful. They point to a lack of justice, as well as compassion, for the victims of heinous crimes. Their rarity when compared to the “important” issues that our government chooses to pursue (like chubby kids and windmills) demonstrate how important justice and protection under the law really is  next to pursuing money, power, votes, and the glory of men. It demonstrates the silly weaknesses that eat at the core of our nation.  Republican or Democrat, it is high time Christians stopped encouraging such stupidity. In the coming voting season, do not vote for your party. Instead, take a stand on morals, values, and godliness. Even if you lose, you gain by speaking out.