Remembering Carla Faye Tucker and the Death Penalty

[canadyjd]

For most of my adult life, I was a strong supporter of the death penalty. That changed in the year 2000, and the execution of Carla Faye Tucker in Texas.

A crack addicted prostitute, Tucker murdered an elderly couple with an axe pick, bragged about and was sentenced to death, and rightfully so.

The execution came in 2000, during the presidential election. Pat Robertson urged then Governor Bush to commute the sentence because, as Robertson stated, he believed she had a genuine conversation to Christianity.

I was stunned. Surely, that cannot be the standard to oppose the death penalty, that Pat Robertson had determined someone had a genuine conversion to Christianity? Many death roll inmates have conversions, why Tucker?

She was a pretty white woman, with a nice voice, singing hymns and a strong prison ministry. She said all the “right” things. She knew she was guilty, didn’t want to die, but was eager to be with her Lord Jesus should the state carry out the execution.

I began to study what scripture says about supporting the death penalty and came to the conclusion that the State does have the power of the sword and can implement the death penalty AND that Christians should have no part in supporting that action.

I am happy to have a civil discussion with individuals that are interested in what I found.

Peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

Genesis 9 is often used to claim God implemented the death penalty as the penalty for murder.

It states that if a man sheds blood, by man his blood shall be shed.

This is not reference to a state execution since there where no governments at that time, only Noah, his sons and wives.

Genesis 9 is a reference to the ancient near east custom of the “blood avenger”. If you caused someone’s death, by accident or on purpose, a blood relative could kill you in revenge.

There were “cities of refuge” where a person could be spared as long as they remained inside.

So, Genesis 9 does not support a state sponsored death penalty

Peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

A close look at scripture shows God did not impose a death penalty until He gave the Law. Even then, the death penalty was not absolute.

Prior to the flood (Genesis 9) Caan killed his brother and God did not demand the death penalty. He showed mercy instead.

After the flood, before the law, Moses murdered the Egyptian. God did not demand the death penalty.

After the Law, before Jesus,, David murdered Uriah the Hittite to cover his sin with Bathsheba. God did not demand the death penalty, though his son died as a consequence.

After Jesus came, Paul murdered Christians and God showed mercy (more about Paul later.

Peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

When Jesus was presented with the woman caught in adultery, he was asked to implement the OT Law, which was the death penalty. The OT Law required the testimony of two or three witnesses in such cases, which they had. The witnesses would throw the first stones and the blood was on their hands. If the testimony was false, they were guilty of murder.

Had Jesus kept the OT Law, He would have demanded the man also be brought forth and both stoned to death.

Instead, He changed the conditions for implementing the death penalty. Instead of “two or three witnesses” throwing the first stones, the standard is now “the one without sin” would cast the first stone. Only God is without sin.

Peace to you

 

[canadyjd]

The passage of scripture that changed forever my understanding of the death penalty is in 1 Timothy 1.

As mentioned, the Apostle Paul murdered Christians. Paul states that God demonstrated mercy toward him, the worst of all sinners, as an example that future Christians should follow.

This is a definitive statement. Christians cannot support the death penalty and show mercy at the same time. They are in conflict.

Since God has given the power of the sword (Romans 13) to governments, my position must be to acknowledge that truth while embracing the truth that Christians should take no part in that action.

Peace to you

 

[Scarlett O.]

I remember that quite well. Televised interviews with her were very fascinating to me. I remember lots of Christians believing that the death penalty should be taken off the table BECAUSE she was "saved". I listened to her and everything about her, and I believe she was legitimately born again sometime after her disgusting crime.

That, in my stubborn opinion, did not dismiss the need for justice. It did not negate her murderous actions. Jesus saves. God forgives and puts our sin as far as the east is from the west, but those two divine things do not take away justice. We reap what we sow.

I am a believer in the death penalty in some cases, but I have problems executing people who are hellbound. In Karla Faye Tucker's case I did not struggle with the execution. Neither did it make me happy. It just was what it was.

I remember listening to her say she accepted her punishment. If she, as a newly born again woman accepted it, I accepted it.

 

[canadyjd]

I remember that quite well. Televised interviews with her were very fascinating to me. I remember lots of Christians believing that the death penalty should be taken off the table BECAUSE she was "saved". I listened to her and everything about her, and I believe she was legitimately born again sometime after her disgusting crime.

That, in my stubborn opinion, did not dismiss the need for justice. It did not negate her murderous actions. Jesus saves. God forgives and puts our sin as far as the east is from the west, but those two divine things do not take away justice. We reap what we sow.

I am a believer in the death penalty in some cases, but I have problems executing people who are hellbound. In Karla Faye Tucker's case I did not struggle with the execution. Neither did it make me happy. It just was what it was.

I remember listening to her say she accepted her punishment. If she, as a newly born again woman accepted it, I accepted it.

That was my response as well.

I did, however, feel compelled to explore why I would accept the execution of a Christian. It led me to an exploration of scripture, which I documented above, and ultimately coming to the conclusion I must change my opinion to conform to 1 Timothy 1:15.

To be certain, the state had a responsibility and authority to execute Ms Tucker for her crimes. I don’t believe Christians should take part in executing people.

Thanks for the comment.

Peace to you