Religious attitudes to the
death penalty
The debate about the death penalty
The death penalty was abolished in the UK in 1969 so since then, no criminal
has been executed in the UK. It is also illegal in the European Community but
still exists in some states in the USA, China and some Muslim countries, such as
Saudi Arabia.
Christian attitudes to the death penalty
Christians across different denominations have different views about the death
penalty. Some of the arguments they use are based on Bible passages and
others relate to general Christian and social principles.
Muslim attitudes to the death penalty:
- Muslim teachings favour the death penalty and the Shari’ah law suggests
that it should be used for some crimes including murder and rape. This is
seen as a deterrent and fair retribution.
- However, the victim is encouraged to show mercy by accepting money
from the offender to save their life.
- Not all Muslims agree with the death penalty, some see it is a
misinterpretation of the Qur’an’s teachings.
death penalty
The debate about the death penalty
The death penalty was abolished in the UK in 1969 so since then, no criminal
has been executed in the UK. It is also illegal in the European Community but
still exists in some states in the USA, China and some Muslim countries, such as
Saudi Arabia.
Christian attitudes to the death penalty
Christians across different denominations have different views about the death
penalty. Some of the arguments they use are based on Bible passages and
others relate to general Christian and social principles.
Muslim attitudes to the death penalty:
- Muslim teachings favour the death penalty and the Shari’ah law suggests
that it should be used for some crimes including murder and rape. This is
seen as a deterrent and fair retribution.
- However, the victim is encouraged to show mercy by accepting money
from the offender to save their life.
- Not all Muslims agree with the death penalty, some see it is a
misinterpretation of the Qur’an’s teachings.
