Capital Punishment and the Bible by Gardner C. Hanks |
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Hanks combines depth with readability and relevance. Absorbing and thorough. A must for anyone serious about understanding the Bible’s teaching and the Christian community’s history on the death penalty." —Howard Zehr, Professor of Sociology and Restorative Justice, Eastern Mennonite University, and Author of Changing Lenses
Capital Punishment and the Bible goes beyond proof-text arguments to examine biblical statements about capital punishment in their historical contexts and for present meaning. Does the use of capital punishment in the USA meet Old Testament standards for fairness? How did Jesus and the early church extend God’s love in restorative justice? Gardner C. Hanks convincingly shows that the use of the death penalty is not consistent with Jesus’ call for love and forgiveness.
"Reinforcing his earlier work, Against the Death Penalty, Hanks shows the peril of death-penalty supporters using religion to defend state-sponsored killing. While debating restorative versus retributive justice, we do well to remember the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Here Hanks provides a valuable tool to counter the message of those who advocate retribution." —Steven W. Hawkins, Executive Director, National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty
"An important book for both opponents and proponents of the death penalty." —J. Daryl Byler, Director, MCC U.S. Washington Office
About the Author
Gardner C. Hanks (1947-2002). At the time of his death, Hanks was working at the Idaho State Library as a Continuing Education Consultant, and awaiting publication of his second book Capital Punishment and the Bible. He was also working on various pieces of national and state human rights legislation.