10.06.2009
8.31.2009
Why capital punishment should be outlawed.
http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/09/07/090907fa_fact_grann?currentPage=1
The story at the end of the link tells of a Cameron Todd Willingham who was sentenced to death in Texas for allegedly setting his home on fire to kill his three children. He always maintained his innocence. The decision of his guilt was based on statements of witnesses based on his behavior after the fire had started as well as a arson "expert" who said it was definitely arson. Only after a pen pal for inmates got to know him and looked further into his case was it determined that witness had changed their recollection of the events multiple times, a person who reported a confession changed his story multiple times, an a world renowned arson expert ruled the fire natural. Cameron never wavered on his innocence, On February 17, 2004 Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by lethal injection. After his execution 3 other well-respected independent forensic experts ruled the fire was not arson leading to the possibility he may be there first person to be rule having been executed by the state as a innocent man.
I am firmly against Capital Punishment, yes there are crimes so heinous that the perpetrator likely deserves to die, but who decides what is punishable by death and are there exceptions? Additionally it is more expensive to execute a prisoner because of the long appeals process that would not be present if they were simply convicted to life in prison. I think that the underlying value that people put on the death penalty is rooted in revenge. As a Christian I believe that although vengeance is a very natural response to violent crime, forgiveness is a higher goal that we should achieve. This does not mean dismissing the crimes committed but realizing that true justice is not brought by the death of another person at another human hands. True justice is executed by the Creator who says
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12: 17-21.
The story at the end of the link tells of a Cameron Todd Willingham who was sentenced to death in Texas for allegedly setting his home on fire to kill his three children. He always maintained his innocence. The decision of his guilt was based on statements of witnesses based on his behavior after the fire had started as well as a arson "expert" who said it was definitely arson. Only after a pen pal for inmates got to know him and looked further into his case was it determined that witness had changed their recollection of the events multiple times, a person who reported a confession changed his story multiple times, an a world renowned arson expert ruled the fire natural. Cameron never wavered on his innocence, On February 17, 2004 Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by lethal injection. After his execution 3 other well-respected independent forensic experts ruled the fire was not arson leading to the possibility he may be there first person to be rule having been executed by the state as a innocent man.
I am firmly against Capital Punishment, yes there are crimes so heinous that the perpetrator likely deserves to die, but who decides what is punishable by death and are there exceptions? Additionally it is more expensive to execute a prisoner because of the long appeals process that would not be present if they were simply convicted to life in prison. I think that the underlying value that people put on the death penalty is rooted in revenge. As a Christian I believe that although vengeance is a very natural response to violent crime, forgiveness is a higher goal that we should achieve. This does not mean dismissing the crimes committed but realizing that true justice is not brought by the death of another person at another human hands. True justice is executed by the Creator who says
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12: 17-21.
4.27.2009
3.18.2009
The answer to bad religion is not no religion, it is better religion.
I came accross this picture at the blog http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/btb/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/3343598218_f7509066b7_b.jpg via The Daily Dish, it is a flyer at a counter protest to Westboro Baptist Church. If you don't know about Westboro they are a church that is headed by Fred Phelps and basically consists of his extended family and they travel around the country and set up disgusting protests a military funerals, plane crash funerals and others and make a scene claiming that the death was cause by God as retribution for Americas tolerance for homosexuality. I won't even begin to go into what I think about them but it does speak to how some areas of the Church have gotten so far off the meaning of the Gospels and in turn have turned already skeptical people even further away.
Too often believers look at these groups as funny, and in some way they are but in other ways they are very dangerous and should be taken seriously. Apparently, on this day another group came out to protest Westboro and printed up flyers which used scripture in a twisted way to show God hates figs which plays on Westboro's "God Hates Fags" website address and signs. This is what we need more of. The true Church the church centered on and grounded in Love to use scripture and stand up to these hate/fear-mongers. Showing the true love of Christ up against these groups not only will shed God's light on these misguaided people but is a powerful witness for the true God we believe in.
2.02.2009
Sign of Hilarity
This image came from www.ihasahotdog.com there is another site for cat pictures called www.icanhascheezburger.com it is a great site to go to if you need a pick-me-up.1.06.2009
Goals For 2009
This list is by no means exhaustive but here are a few things I would like to do in the new year.
- Be a great father to Arden
- Be a better husband to Sabrina
- Be a better Son, Brother, overall strengthen my relationship will my family
- Be a better friend
- Love God more, love people more
- Be a more diligent reader
- See a Packers game at Lambeau Field
- Accomplish the Run for Mercy marathon (my biggest regret from last year)
- Start the CFA program
More to Come
- Be a great father to Arden
- Be a better husband to Sabrina
- Be a better Son, Brother, overall strengthen my relationship will my family
- Be a better friend
- Love God more, love people more
- Be a more diligent reader
- See a Packers game at Lambeau Field
- Accomplish the Run for Mercy marathon (my biggest regret from last year)
- Start the CFA program
More to Come
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