Language is a very odd thing.
For example, you read the title of this post and probably jumped to conclusions that I am talking about the issue of abortion. The term “pro-life” has taken on a nuance all its own. One cannot use it apart for the abortion discussion anymore.
The other day I cam across a piece (for the life of me I can’t remember where) that said people like me who disagree with abortion but still believe in the death penalty should rather say, “I’m pro-birth.”
Well, that’s just ridiculous.
As I mentioned, the phrase has taken on a nuance all its own.
But for the sake of argument and to placate that person, fine – I’m not pro-life. I’m pro birth.
But I’m also for the death penalty, so I guess I’m pro-death…in certain circumstances…well, it’s complicated. No, “pro-death” is just stupid.
But I digress.
Most of the world knows about the execution of Oklahoma inmate Clayton Lockett. The media jumped all over the story and called it a “botched execution.”
But here’s the thing. Let’s look at the situation from a results-oriented perspective.
The desired result was the execution of a real gem:
Here’s an AP summary of his crimes, in addition to first-degree murder: “conspiracy, first-degree burglary, three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, three counts of forcible oral sodomy, four counts of first-degree rape, four counts of kidnapping and two counts of robbery by force and fear.
I’m sorry – did I say gem? I meant scumbag.
So the desired result was putting this man to death. But if that’s the desired outcome, they seemed to succeed.
It wasn’t a botched execution. Perhaps they botched up trying to put the man to sleep before they put him to death, the but the execution achieved the desired results.
From a biblical point of view, I don’t have a problem with this.
There are certain things people do that God said (and society today STILL says), “Sorry, scumbag, but your behavior nullifies your right to take another breath.”
But…but…but…what about turning the other cheek? What about the love of Jesus?
Even Jesus showed righteous anger at scumbags. He never overturned the old Law. The stuff that pissed God off then still does now. If humanity is God’s image on earth (and the Bible says it is) then heinous crimes against humanity are really crimes against the creator.
And sometimes scumbags don’t deserve to be here any more.
And this is me getting off my soapbox…………
Follow @thexiansatirist
thexiansatirist 