Question 1

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States has declared its opposition to capital punishment, arguing that it is uncivilized, inhumane, barbaric, and an assault on the sanctity of human life.

Accepted Answer

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops of the United States declared its opposition to capital punishment in 1974 and has continued to assert its position since then, stating that it is against the sanctity of human life.

Question 2

Religious leaders have argued that capital punishment is inconsistent with efforts to promote respect for human life, to stem the tide of violence in our society and to embody the message of God's redemptive love.

Accepted Answer

Many religious leaders have indeed argued that capital punishment goes against the values of promoting respect for human life and God's message of redemption and love. They believe that the death penalty undermines efforts to reduce violence and promote a culture of life.

Question 3

The New Testament provides many references that ostensibly argue against capital punishment.

Accepted Answer

The New Testament presents numerous examples of forgiveness and mercy, challenging the concept of "an eye for an eye" and suggesting a non-violent approach to justice. Additionally, the teachings of Jesus emphasize love and reconciliation, which are incompatible with the taking of human life.

Question 4

It was not until the Middle Ages, especially during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries when the Catholic Church dominated social life in Western Europe, that capital punishment began to be used widely for religious crimes.

Accepted Answer

Capital punishment for religious crimes became more common during the Middle Ages when the Catholic Church was in control in Western Europe.

Question 5

Pre-Christian legal codes generally listed more crimes and more severe punishments than those imposed later under religious auspices.

Accepted Answer

Pre-Christian legal codes often had fewer listed crimes and less severe punishments compared to those imposed later under religious auspices, which introduced more comprehensive moral and ethical guidelines influencing legal systems.

Question 6

Traditional thinking of the Catholic Church holds that capital punishment is the most effective deterrent to crime.

Accepted Answer

The traditional thinking of the Catholic Church holds that capital punishment is the most effective deterrent to crime. However, the Church now teaches that the death penalty should be avoided whenever possible and that modern societies have other ways to protect themselves and punish criminals.

Question 7

According to Protestant clergyman and scholar Reverend Reuben Hahn, "Not to inflict the death penalty is a flagrant disregard for God's divine law which recognizes the dignity of human life as a product of God's creation."

Accepted Answer

Reverend Reuben Hahn believed that not imposing the death penalty goes against God's divine law, which upholds the value of human life as a creation of God.

Question 8

Proponents of the death penalty argue that in the original Hebrew, the Sixth Commandment translates as "Thou shalt not commit murder."

Accepted Answer

This is true. In the original Hebrew, the Sixth Commandment translates to "You shall not murder" or "You shall not kill." However, there is debate over how this commandment should be interpreted and whether it allows for executions as a form of punishment.

Question 9

According to the Roman Catechism of the Council of Trent promulgated by Pope Pius V in 1566, the death penalty is not a morally permissible way to punish murderers.

Accepted Answer

According to the Roman Catechism of the Council of Trent, the death penalty is a morally permissible way to punish murderers.

Quiz 11: Retribution, Religion, and Capital Punishment