Do Our Soldiers Deserve The Death Penalty

I'd say no. They should not be subject to local laws in my view. The same principle as diplomatic amunity.

 

My concern is how Christians should respond to issues involving the death penalty. Following the commands of Jesus Christ always supercedes the authority of the government, wherever it is.

peace to youraying:

 

You are never expected to go along with something you know to be contrary to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus never called for His followers to seek the death of anyone; conversely, He commanded that believers exhibit the same kind of perfect patience He displayed with Paul, who was a murderer.

peace to youraying:

 

The governing authority in this case is the United States Army.

I believe the death penalty to be out of line unless the prosecution could prove premeditation. From what I've read, that will be next to impossible.

 

It's a tough call... Do we go by military justice or do we respect the laws of the land that the crime was committed in?

Some time ago I didn't believe in the death penalty, but I have come to believe if the government calls for it in certain laws/cases then as Christians we should respect the government.

Now, that is not to say that, if we don't agree with it, we can't submit to our government a reason to change and petition a change in the laws through our representatives.

Now, back to the thread..

In thinking about it, I do feel that the soldiers should be tried by an Iraqi court. I don't believe that the governing authority is the USA or it's military, but I don't know all the rules and regulations so I am only presenting my opinion based on gut feelings.

Jamie

 

I am not sure what power we (christians) possess to "let" the governing authorities do (or not do) anything in this matter.

As Christians, we should not support anything that contradicts the commands of Christ, and that includes supporting the death penalty.

peace to youraying:

 

In the Philippines, four or more US Marines have been indicted and are being tried under Philippine law for rape.
Why shouldn't these soldiers then be tried under Iraqi law for rape and murder of a non-combatant adolescent ?

 

Anyone who commits the crimes of rape or murder deserve the death penalty. I have made that statement many times before and I hold to that statement even for soldiers. They are not above the law. The question is, did they actually commit that crime. I am willing to give the benefit of the doubt until we hear otherwise.

Joseph Botwinick

 

Islamic law requires the death penalty for anyone who converts to Christianity. Are you going to "respect" that law, and be submissive to the prohibition of proclaiming the gospel, as well? If a new Christian comes to you, fleeing the death penalty, are you going to tell them to go back and submit themselves to the Islamic law?

We, as Christians, have no duty to obey anything contrary to the commands of Christ. The death penalty is contrary to the commands of Christ. Better to obey God than man.

peace to youraying:

peace to you

 

The Phillipines is not a war zone with our troops primarily responsible for security.

 

I hear tell that in Israel one cannot stand in the street corners passing out tracts, or proselytizing Jews. No intent to derail the thread, so no one is obligated to answer. In fact, I think I'll start a thread on that one.
Is this is true ?

 

They should be tried by the US military and punished as seen fit in those proceedings.

 

So, if an American soldier steals an apple from a cart, should he be tried under Sharia law and have his hand cut off? I trust our own military justice system far more than that of a fledgling government, whether we set it up or whoever.