Does anyone else have an issue with this? Im not sure why, but when I was watching his sentencing on the news I saw a flash of fear on his face. Now I am in NO WAY saying that what he has done in his lifetime was right, it was evil, but I dont know but I feel kinda sorry for him. As though he has realised that his past has caught up with him. I dont know every detail of what he did, but I dont necessarily know if hanging him will bring about the justice that people really desire. Something is not sitting right with me, and all I feel when I see him is pity. He will have to deal with judgement day just like the rest of us will, but all I see at the moment is a scared, lonely, old man. What do you all think about it? Should we as Christians advocate the death penalty or should we be against it? I want to know what you personally think about it. I would say at the moment that I am against it, but know I am not saying they should be given free reign. So, what do you think?
8 comments:
I don't support the death penalty. Despite all the horrible things he did, no-one has the right to kill him. How does that make them any better than him?
Give him life imprisonment, he's not a threat anymore.
I'll pray that he turns to Christ. Maybe people who have been victims of his regime would spit on me for saying that and suggesting that if he repents and trusts Jesus, he will go to heaven.
I can't comprehend what it would be like to be an Iraqi or anyone who has suffered because of him but my heart goes out to them.
The whole situation seems incomprehensible. How could anyone (eg. Saddam) kill so many people? and yet, why do I (we) feel sorry for him? that seems weird to me too.
I think the answer to your first question is sin. We shouldn't be surprised at the evil humans are capable of.
Why do we feel sorry for him? I remember feeling so sorry for Van Tuong Nyugen when was hanged for drug trafficking in Singapore last year and I prayed for clemency. Before I was Christian, I was very pro death penalty so what changed?
I think the answer is God changes us so we want for mercy for others who don't deserve it, just as we received mercy from God.
The question I ask myself is 'would I feel sorry for Van Tuong Nyugen if I had lost someone I loved to drugs'? I'm not sure I would be quite so forgiving but I'd pray God would help me to forgive.
There's a really good book called 'Forgiving Hitler' by Kel Richards. It's about Kathy Diosy, a Jewish woman who survived WW2 and later became a Christian.
Hmmm....interesting topic. I have a mix of emotions when I read it.
In the matter of the justice and the system of punishment handed down by governments, I think there are several different concepts that need to be taken into account. One is "justice". There is very little justice in our "Justice System". Another is retribution. There is not much said about retribution...attempting to right the wrongs you have done...in our system of justice. There is also the concept of "deterrent". How much of a deterrent to crime is an all-expenses-paid, air-conditioned room with cable TV and a libary? Another concept is "penalty". Hmm....now THAT is where this whole argument comes to rest, I think.
Yes. God is a God of forgiveness, but he also demands justice. And He says that there is a penalty to pay for wrongdoing. He even speaks in very clear terms (in Romans) about the basis of human government, and that they are ONLY in their position because God decreed/allowed (depending on your theological flavour...grin) it to be so. "The powers that be are ordained of God..." He goes on to say that if you go against the powers that be, "they don't bear the sword for no reason at all." (i.e. there is a penalty to pay for going astray of lawful behaviour.)
I guess that all I want to say at this point is that it is all too simplistic to simply say, "God forgives us and gives us mercy, so we should give everybody mercy too." God gives us mercy based on the penalty His Son paid on our behalf. It wasn't cheap. People who blatantly reject that mercy will still pay their own penalty. That is a choice that you can exercise. (Depending on the flavour of your theology again. grin)
And Sarah, I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that people oppose the death penalty because of Christian maturity. Some of the most ardent opponents of the Death Penalty have no Christian faith at ALL. Some of the strongest advocates of the Death Penalty can also be people with a deep Christian faith. Your testimony also points out clearly that many with strong Christian faith oppose the Death Penalty, and vice versa... But I think you need to re-think your premise that nobody has a right to put him to death, nonetheless. Look for a Biblical basis to respond, not just emotional. (I don't mean to be condescending here...just pointing you back to the source...) There is a MASSIVE difference between a system of justice putting people to death for their crimes and the atrocities that Hussein or Hitler committed. If the individual in the book you mentioned had shot Hitler in cold blood for the things that were done against her personally, it would be a whole different ballgame, compared to a justice system measuring out a penalty for wrongdoing.
Back to your question Bek....why do you feel sorry for Mr. Hussein? Well, perhaps because he DOES look like a tired , haggard old man these days, and because you know he isn't the REAL enemy....he is just one of the footsoldiers in his army. Poor, duped, haggard, disillusioned, old man.
Greg
Greg, thanks for your response. I don't want you to think that I think Saddam Hussein shouldn't be punished. Of course he should. And I agree with what you said in Romans about the governments being put in place by God. My dilemma about Hussein or anyone being put to death is not purely based on emotion but rather whether as Christians we should advocate the death penalty? Yes God is a God of justice and the governments should administer justice but do we have the right to take someone's life in the name of justice or is God the only one who should take life? I get annoyed at prisoners in comfortable prisons too and like I said in my previous comment, I can't comprehend what it would be like to be a victim of Hussein's crimes.
Hi Sarah,
PHEW! I was afraid you would read my comments with all the wrong sentiments... Thanks for understanding my meaning and "hearing" my intent. :-)
Can I reiterate the challenge that you drive this whole question back to your Biblical understanding and get your answer there? But...be forewarned..."an eye for an eye" won't work here...Saddam doesn't have enough eyes or teeth for that! ;-)
Greg
I guess it depends on whether we are wanting justice because it gives us control over the situation or if we are giving that control to God. That doesnt mean Im waiting for a bolt of lightning to hit the man!
From what I have read in the papers and seen on the news, his trial was an unfair one. The court was not independant and was controlled by the anti-saddam government, half of his defence was shot dead, and what was left of his defence were not given time to prepare a case. Whether he is guilty or not ( i believe he is)does he not deserve a fair trial?
Hmmm....the only problem is that there is probably not a place on the face of the earth where Hussein could get a "fair" trial. If it is unfair because the government is not friendly to him, then we are limited to the governments that are "friendly" towards him. Who would that be? But it wouldn't be fair then either. They would be biased as well. It is entirely possible that he forfeited his right to a fair trial because of the magnitude of his crimes.
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