Death penalty yes or no on the Peoria.com Forums

Two points here: Being "sure" and a standard of "reasonable doubt" are mutually exclusive.

Every person to receive the death penalty either pleaded guilty or was found to be guilty "beyond a reasonable doubt." That is the standard for a criminal conviction.

So put Pock down for a maybe?

Personally, I support expansion of the death penalty, but don't oppose more safeguards. If we intend to kill someone, they should have two attorneys, not one to aid in their defense. The imposition of the death penalty should be decided by a jury in a separate phase of the trial, but not necessarily require a unanimous decision of that jury. 7 out of 12 aye votes for execution, and it's light out.

"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man." Gen 9:6

Yup. That's the old testament, old covenant. God made a new covenant with his people with the teachings and subsequent death of his Son.

I could post multiple bible verses from the new testament supporting my stance against the death penalty, but I'm sure it wouldn't change anyone's mind.

I can post an equal number justifying my support for it. I'll only post one, and only to refute your claim that the New Covenant abrogates the Old Covenant. It surely does not:

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew 5:17

Yes, and in fulfilling the old covenant, Jesus taught us that the covenant changed from the God of Justice (old testament) to a God of forgiveness (new testament).

You may have to read the entire book to get the essence of that. We can cherry pick out individual verses but without context of the entire story they don't mean much.

One verse (Romans 12:17-21)(though its a lesser in importance than some of the other verses) that I use to form my position against the death penalty is also a verse that some Christians use to justify the death penalty. Its a matter of perspective.

I don't expect to change anyone's position, I was just explaining mine. I know there are plenty of Christians who support the death penalty. I do have a hard time understanding that and wonder if they are reading the same book?

My tat Exodus 21:24

Matthew 5:38

38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[g] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.