Per Christum

The death penalty debate has reached this blog’s comment box and I wanted to give a few of my thoughts on the issue, particularly why I, as an orthodox Catholic and political and social conservative, am against the death penalty. Before I wade into this topic I want to give this caveat: I’m writing as an individual Catholic and am not the Magisterium. The Church has given a lot of guidance on this topic and yet there is a wide rang of latitude about what one may believe, unlike with the topics of say abortion or euthanasia. From what I can see, only promoting systems that are inherently unjust or refusing to allow for any defensive use of the death penalty would be outside the bounds of Catholic teaching. Thus, a host of positions are possible, including mine. Here’s why I reject capital punishment.

First, as a Catholic who desires to be obedient to the Church, I’ve noticed the Magisterium has definitely moved towards a more limited or even anti-death penalty direction. While always recognizing the right of the state to defend its citizens from the threat of criminals, recent Popes have also taught that the death penalty isn’t always the best way to do this. Here is the argument as the Catechism (borrowing heavily from John Paul II’s Evangelium Vitae) presents it:

-in cases where no imminent danger exists, we should err on the side of human dignity and not employ the death penalty.

-given the existence of modern prisons, abolition of the death penalty in most cases is not a threat to public safety

-allowing the criminal to live allows for repentance and conversion

I also think, as Catholics, rejecting the death penalty in most cases serves as a witness to the Church’s teaching on the sacredness of all life, especially the unborn. I heard Richard John Neuhaus make this argument when he spoke to my school.

All throughout this entry, however, I’ve been using the phrase “in most cases” since clearly Catholic teaching allows the death penalty for defense while admitting the circumstances where it should be applied are becoming rarer. Such a situation where the Church would allow it would probably be where there is no practical way to incarcerate an offender who is very likely to kill again. Perhaps this situation could occur in developing countries or in military situations, but is unlikely in the West if we truly keep violent offenders in prison.

Second, I oppose the death penalty as a conservative. I am essentially an old line conservative who doesn’t really trust the government to act competently or justly. I don’t trust the government to raise children, provide health care, rebuild after a natural disaster, keep the price of gasoline down, or use the knowledge of gun ownership wisely. Why would I trust the government, which is often inept at best and hopelessly partial and corrupt at worst, to decide who lives and dies? Ronald Reagan once said the most terrifying words you can hear are “I’m from the government and I’m here to help you.” I think the words “I’m from the government and I’m here to execute you” are far more terrifying. The death penalty elevates the state to the level of the divine. The ability to raise taxes and write laws is one thing; the ability to take a life is another. Even if capital punishment is allowed by God, there is far too much sin in the world for it to ever be applied fairly and justly; and even one innocent life taken is a terrible crime. Once again, I recognize, as all conservatives do, the right to legitimate defense in certain situations for the state and private individuals alike. I just don’t believe this applies, in most cases, to capital punishment.

These are just my thoughts. And, since the Catholic Church allows a range of opinion on this matter, feel free to state your own position and/or tell me why you reject mine.