Louisiana buckles the Bible in favour of death!

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is seemingly lost on some folk in Louisiana. They'd rather the lost sheep be fried in oil than be let back into the fold. The Good Shepherd is more concerned for the lost sheep, but if you've just tightened your belt a couple of notches too much, the message might get blurred in the subsequent fainting fit. The State of Louisiana is seeking to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to rule that death "is not cruel and unusual punishment for the rape of a child" and thus doesn't violate the 8th Amendment. This comes on the day that the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the lethal three-drug cocktail used in most U.S. executions during the past 30 years. No matter that the stuff takes a time to wend its way through the veins. I suppose these judges describe themselves as Christians. Do they say their prayers with petitions to God to bless this killing cocktail?

I find it amazing that, when confronted with a crucifix and mention of such punishment, Americans get uneasy. Death is at the heart of Christianity, foregiveness at its core. The buckle of the Bible belt is a tight-fitting thing, indeed!

Punishment should be about three things - fair retribution, denial of liberty, and rehabilitation. It is surely not about debasing ourselves to make us feel better in a transitory moment.

I wonder what those who are keen to see killers killed think when they get to the hoped for promised land. Will they just sit and scoff when it comes to prayer time in Heaven for sinners? Jesus said "there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent." It is a mighty hard business being a Christian, but forgiveness is high up on the list.

Of course, none of this should imply a namby-pamby approach to justice. Serious crimes require to be punished, but if the rehabilation element is lacking, then it is tantamount to society saying the prisoner has no chance to be reformed and redeemed. Part of the rehabilitation process must be a positive aspect of repentance.

We will all be far better off if we look up rather than look down.