Christianity: Many Christians argue both in favor and oppose capital punishment. There are many arguments presented by both sides. The ones for capital punishment argue that the death penalty helps maintain order and protection in a society. The bible even states the death penalty for some crimes and high powers such as the church of England have gone on to say “The laws of the realm may punish Christian men with death for heinous and grievous crimes”. This goes to show that many Christians are behind the death penalty. Many Christians also make a fair statement in saying that the protection of the society is much more important then the individual. Then there is the other hand of Christians who go against capital punishment. They believe that Jesus came to earth to reform sinners, not kill them. These Christians believed in the sanctity of life, that life is holy, therefor only Jesus has the power to take one’s life. They also argue that sin is part of human nature and everyone has a chance to be reformed. Christians are also huge advocates for justice, therefor they believe criminals should be treated justly. The bible also has many teachings that go against the death penalty, such as the ten commandments. Christians have been in disagreement for years involving capital punishment.
Buddhism: Buddhism strongly disagrees with the death penalty as they believe in the compassion for the lives of others. Buddhists strive to heal the person who committed a crime, rather than retaliate. Buddhists have always believed in the preservation of ones live and have always opposed the death penalty.
Hinduism: Hinduism has historically not taken a stance on the influence of Capital Punishment. They are neither oppose or for. This has resulted in India (80 percent Hindu) having the lowest execution rate in the world. In result of the Hindu belief in Ahimsa, also known as non-violence, which was very prominent throughout Gandhi’s time. Hinduism has also had many emperors who openly opposed the death penalty, such as Emperor Ashola. Hinduism not taking a stance on Capital Punishment has resulted very well.
Islamic: Almost all Islamic states support capital punishment. The nations of Islam have government that run directly based off the Quran, which states that the taking of one’s life, will result in the taking of your own. Things like adultery will also result in the death penalty, even though there is many for the death penalty, there is an Islamic nation called Djibouti, that does not carry out the death penalty for any crimes. Islamic states have naturally almost always been for the death penalty.
Judaism: Judaism has historically been in a debate over capital punishment, but the generally disagree with it. The Torah describes almost thirty different situations where the death penalty is applicable, but there are many limitations which make these rules hard to use. In Israel (home to many Jewish) they have completely outlawed the death penalty since 1954, except in cases of Genocide or treason.
All Religions: All of the major world religions all have varied opinions on the death penalty. Due to their opinion, they all have a major impact on the way the government controls capital punishment. Many of these world religions give an option of death or life in prison, but some do not. All religions have had different impacts on capital punishment throughout history.
-By: Adam Bergen
Capital Punishment 