November 28th, 2007
09:07 PM ET
15 years ago

Question #2718: The death penalty: what would Jesus do?


Tyler Overman from Memphis, Tennessee

(CNN) - Tyler Overman from Memphis, Tennessee asks: I have a quick question for those of you who would call yourselves Christian conservatives. The death penalty. What would Jesus do?

What did you think about the candidates' response to the question? What would you have asked? Add your comment below, or better yet, turn on your camera to record your commentary and reaction video and send in your I-Report. Your comments below or you I-Report video could be part of CNN's post-debate coverage.
Filed under: Uncategorized
soundoff (8 Responses)
  1. Jim G, Atlanta, GA

    Mike Huckabee gave the most eloquent explanation of the death penalty I have ever heard. He is clearly in the lead

    November 28, 2007 09:25 pm at 9:25 pm |
  2. anonymous

    The death penalty has been proven to be a deterrent. The reason it isn't more of a deterrent is that it is rarely carried out. I support the death penalty, and especially in certain cases, such as anyone who is proven to have killed a uniformed police officer in the line of duty. We also need to separate church and state. It doesn't matter "What Jesus would do." Jesus is a fictional character who has nothing to do with our laws and our legal system.

    November 28, 2007 09:35 pm at 9:35 pm |
  3. Phil, leesburg FL

    We are not living in a theocratie so I do not think that what Jesus would do matter too much as far a presidential candidate is concern. What Jesus would do matter on a personal level.

    November 28, 2007 09:51 pm at 9:51 pm |
  4. Angela Newmarket NH

    I think the death penalty should completely be allowed. Jesus..what does he have to do with this? An eye for eye...right?

    November 28, 2007 10:30 pm at 10:30 pm |
  5. Eyvonne Meyer Jonestown, Pennsylvania

    Jesus said an eye for an eye. If you take a life then yes and if it's proven that you did, the death penalty should be the only punishment.

    November 28, 2007 10:39 pm at 10:39 pm |
  6. David, Davenport IA

    Do you Christians ever READ the Bible? Jesus did NOT say an "eye for an eye". That's from the Old Testament (Exodus 21). Jesus, you fool, said the exact opposite: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth'. But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:38–39)

    And WWJD is a valid question since the majority of death penalty proponents are evangelical Christians (Catholics mostly oppose it)...as do all Sikh, Buddhists, and sane people.

    November 28, 2007 11:06 pm at 11:06 pm |
  7. William Courtland, Waterford, Ontario

    the removal of social rights and then social exile is the only real punishment.

    Don't ask Jesus this, ask buddha.

    November 28, 2007 11:08 pm at 11:08 pm |
  8. Josh in Florida

    What would Scooby Doo?

    November 29, 2007 07:00 am at 7:00 am |
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