Blood, as basis of life. Word Count of 20 Translations in Genesis 9:6. Apparently Gods government is a great deal more gracious than humans governments are. . The first instance of a law that has any semblance to the death penalty is found in Genesis 9:5-6. in His image. . In the second instance, he is referring (in a private letter, as a Cardinal) to what Catholics may and do believe. . And he that killeth a beast shall make it good; beast for beast. by Brandon Smith | March 10, 2021. https . Scripture: Genesis 9:6 Denomination: Baptist Human Government - God's Restraint For A Sinful World Series Contributed by Paul Barreca on Nov 5, 2011 | 4,101 views Genesis 9 is an important "FIRST" in the Bible. But Im not sure, so I thought Id ask you, and could let him know what you said, so that can be cleared up. Its analogously the same scenario, but even more removed from the topic of capital punishment (if we are to consider context). The statement was an official memorandum from the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith the chief doctrinal officer of the Church sent to a bishop, Cardinal McCarrick, for the purpose of clarifying the implications of Church teaching for how the faithful ought to form their consciences when deciding how to vote. New Living Translation If anyone takes a human life, that person's life will also be taken by human hands. In this chapter, God ordains the second sphere of oversight for controlling human behavior. those who commit murder. Nevertheless, the prerequisites of legitimate personal defence are not applicable in the social sphere without the risk of distortion. (Hosea 7:8-10), Biblical Character Qualities And Life Skills, 7. If we follow Dr. Feser, its about killing in capital punishment, rather than not killing (in general). The justification for capital punishment established here is the nobility of human life, which is in the image of God. As Fastiggi has made it very clear in his public work that he is objecting to the first point Feser and Bessette are making in their book, not the second. . I really dont believe this is a matter upon which the Roman Pontiff should invoke his supreme apostolic authority. Terms of Service apply. q. No one was subjected to more injustice than Jesus Christ in His trial and crucifixion. I did reply, however, to the same person as follows: Him: You say that you, and Dr Fastiggi (contra to his public remarks), do not believe that capital punishment is malum in se. On 12-6-17 we corresponded again, in order to clarify continuing erroneous charges against Dr. Fastiggis positions, being made on Dr. Fesers blog by commenters other than himself: If I misrepresent you in any way, please correct me. . Dr. Feser thennotes that lots of other folks for four thousand years have interpreted Genesis 9:6 otherwise, but thats ultimately irrelevant to the point at hand: how Pope Benedict is interpreting and using it in this passage. The Old Testament, therefore, is obsoleteor nearly so. the end of life. It may attain fulfillment, but it never becomes defunct. Any other punishment risks additional murderous acts, (Psalm 10:15). The embarrassment remains that the interpreters vary between judicial formula, proverb and prophetic admonition. Therefore, so he reasoned, the quote can be dismissed, and we cant know the popes exact meaning anyway. Whether this divine sanction was for all time and places is a matter of biblical interpretation for today. Then God gives a command to Noah not given to Adam: a prohibition against murder. Benedict never explicitly makes, concerning Genesis 9:6, the claim that Fastiggi attributes to him. Any other punishment reduces the heinousness of murder, thereby endangering society by lessening its stigma. 9:6 blood be shed. Neither one of us areprofessionalexegetes. Fastiggi tries to downplay the significance of this 2004 statement, but he has no good grounds for doing so. In delegating authority to man over the highest good that man has, namely, life, God implicitly gave authority over lesser things as well. In Romans 15:4, Paul, referring to the Old Testament, states, For whatsoever things were written beforehandthey were written for our instruction that through patience and through I already stated that Id like to see what you said about the exegesis, and would probably like to do some dialogue on that (knowing that you would). For example, individuals guilty of manslaughter or accidentally causing another's death were exempted from the death penalty. Ive been reading both sides (but not absolutely everything, as I cover a lot of topics in my job as an apologist). In order to make prudential judgments there must be principles that guide these judgments. Copyright 2002-2022 Got Questions Ministries. What Fastiggi and I have been debating at, If you dont have time or interest in doing so, fine. The venture capital investments Alameda had made were "effectively, some of them, on margin", he added. How many deaths have there been, how many lives ravaged by human blindness, how many occasions of fear and humiliation! But some in the pro-life movement and some denominations claim that And Try downloading another browser like Chrome or Firefox. In our group discussion at my home on Saturday with Dr. Fastiggi (weve been friends for over ten years and hes been to my house many times), my impression was that he does not think it is intrinsically evil. Then we have Genesis 9:5-6 in the middle. Its also absurd to say that I shouldnt have written this blog post. Genesis 9:6 . Certain laws, such as dietary, civil and ceremonial prescriptions were meant for the Hebrew nation during a particular part of its history. may help us understand the New Testament, but its laws and customs are a bygone product of a bygone Testament. But they can be complicated at times. He forbids all killing, even of those who kill (cf. Capital punishment? Then God said to Noah, The end of all flesh has come before Me; for the earth is filled with violence because of them; and behold, I am about to destroy them with the earth (Genesis 6:11-13). God created man uniquely by breathing the breath of life directly into Adam and by making Adam and all mankind As God gave to Adam the creation ordinance of marriage that still has abiding authority, so God gave to Noah post-Flood ordinances, Their reason is clear: we live under the New Testament, not the Old Testament. On the other hand, strong approval for capital punishment among conservative religious voters is a significant factor in explaining why the United States stands alone among Western democracies in retaining its use. replete with Scripture proofs from the Old Testament, as is the New The pope refers to persecution to the death in section 8: Yet this blessed land and its peoples have tragically experienced human upheavals. . If you dont have time or interest in doing so, fine. In my first paper on the topic, I deliberately concentrated on the scriptural arguments, for that reason (and because I know the most about that area). Likewise, apologists like myself and Catholic theologians and historians have defended Pope Honorius against supposedly having infallibly promulgated heresy, by noting that the material in question was also of the nature of private correspondence. To suggest, as Fastiggi does, that the passage is actuallycondemningcapital punishment, is simply perverse. This teaching cannot change.. Genesis 9:6 says, for example, "He who sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for God created man in his own image.". a. The Catechism of the Council of Trent teaches under the heading of "The Fifth Commandment:". The explanation of the death penalty, 9:6b Note that the life of man is to be protected, whether from animals (9:5a) or other men (9:5b). My post, Capital Punishment: Ive Changed My Mind (12-5-17) has generated vigorous discussion on Facebook and in its own combox. ). My participation, accordingly, will be necessarily limited and confined to very specific particulars. . The pope was not even addressing the topic of criminal justice, the question of what sorts of punishments are appropriate, etc. It was anarchy, rampant crime, violence and immorality that brought about God's judgment by the flood. Then God repeats it a third time for even greater emphasis that He will seek out and avenge murder from all mankind and from every individual man [responsible].. God here ordains human government. Government is given by God to check man's sin and to protect man from himself. Such societies reflect a virtuous people. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! I also said that myimpression(from Saturday) was that you were not teaching that it could or would likely be so proclaimed in the future. 21:28. . God emphasizes His determination to seek by repeating it Gen4:6-10 and1 Jn3:8-15) among the sons of Adam and Eve created in Gods image (cf. decree to restrain violence. And from every man, from every man's brother I will require the life of man. Why the Death Penalty? Hampshire Baptist Confession. Denial of the second follows from denial of the first, and the refusal to affirm the first and enter into legitimate debate on the second is telling of what his position is. Each family of ratite has unique characteristics that point to their wise Creator, who wanted to fill the earth with grand diversity that glorifies Him (Job 12:7-9; Romans 1:18-20). He provided enough food for thought for me to be totally against it, for various reasons: some of which I discussed on my Facebook page today. As I prepared for this reply today I quickly realized that these are very deep waters, and that I could not possibly commit to a full debate on the subject in all its aspects, as discussed at the greatest length by Dr. Feser and his opponents. First, we see that God lays out the general principle of "life for life." Of course, the Old Testament puts parameters on capital punishment. Why are Christians pro-life when it comes to abortion while at the same time in favor of the death penalty and supportive of war. . Whatever implications that has, they are not magisterial (a Cardinals opinions in a private letter can never be that), and light years away from having an infallible, binding status on Catholics. Alameda's spreadsheet predates SBF's current media blitz by a month, though it comes . Possibly, but its not certain. Answer (1 of 12): Thank you for the interpretative question on Genesis 4-11, "Is Genesis 4-11 the argument for or against capital punishment?" As one reads Genesis 4-11, the concept of "capital punishment" assumes a social order with a judge or ruler determining the guilt or innocence of a perso. [later resolved dispute about links that I wont bore readers with]. I didnt answer that particular one (too long and involved). today? Is capital punishment for today? I can do a fair job in exegetical discussion. Murder was differentiated in Scripture from different degrees of manslaughter, and to murder was relegated the most severe penalty. Murder polluted and defiled the land, and only the death of the murderer could expiate or rectify the polluted land (Numbers 35:3334). the consolation of the Scriptures we might have hope. To Paul, the Old Testament was not a dead letter. God has placed the power of the sword in human hands. He certainly doesnt think that Pope Francis is teaching thisnow. Religion and the Death Penalty: A Call for Reckoning, edited by Erik Owens, John D. Carlson, and Eric P. Elshtain (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2004), offers the chapter, Biblical Perspectives on the Death Penalty, by Michael L. Westmoreland-White and Glen H. Stassen. Genesis 9:6 NIV - "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans - Bible Gateway Deepen your knowledge of Scripture. even nearly so. And again: [I]t is absurd to deny that Genesis 9:5-6 affirms the legitimacy in principle of capital punishment . Topics. Throughout the history of the church, theologians who have supported capital punishment have turned to this passage for support. Furthermore, speaking before Genesis 9:6: Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in . The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms, for example, are Though other passages in Scripture clearly teach that capital punishment is allowed under certain conditions this passage does not. A few comments: First, if you want to take Fastiggis side in his dispute with me, thats fine, but before doing so you ought to be clear on what we are actually disagreeing about. However, she proves . 7th century bce ), though Plato argued that it should be used only for the incorrigible. Capital punishment and capitalism neither are capital ideas! This statement in Genesis Chapter 9 came centuries before the Mosaic Law, thus, universally binding until the end of time. But these are very deep matters, so I dont put much stock in my mere laymans opinion about the future. As the post-Flood world begins, God blesses and commands Noah and his sons. Related Topics: Dispensational / Covenantal Theology, Cultural Issues, Have You Noticed Your Gray Hair? What does God say about a soldier taking a life in war, or a policeman on the job? But whether the Church could teach that whether there really is any wiggle room here is the main issue between us, so insofar as he persistently fails straightforwardly and frankly to take a stand on that, I find the exchange frustrating. I simply argue that there is no definitive, infallible teaching of the Church in favor of the legitimacy of capital punishment. Yet YHWH did not take Cains life. Genesis has the answer. . grisly effortsmay certainly rejoice over the murder of those less innocent. Jews, with their long experience of often deadly assaults, know full well the benefits of religious freedom. Numbers 35:16). . And on page 189: . It does matter if teaching was definitive, magisterial, infallible or not. Ginno Concetti OFM argued for that position in an article published in the Jan. 23, 1977 issue of, I think Pope Francis is invoking strong Christian principles against the use of the death penalty today. God is the One who instituted capital punishment: "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man" ( Genesis 9:6 ). Yet, God the Son remained quiet. This is what brings about, with all due respect, an implausible interpretation, since Pope Benedict would be providing three biblical passages in support of God forbidding all killing, whose meaning are 1) dont kill, 2) kill [capital punishment], and 3) dont kill. Even if you believe that the death penalty is right in principle, writes Claiborne, knowing that innocent people are being sentenced and sometimes executed should give you pause. HOWEVER, the 6th commandment does NOT contradict the words of God in Genesis Chapter 9! 4 but flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat. . . In fact, it was written for our instruction, that is, the New Testament churchs instruction. why not follow it everywhere elsebuild a rail on top of your roof (Deuteronomy 22:8), do not mix seeds in your garden (Leviticus 19:19), and execute blasphemers Clearly, Paul recognizes the appropriateness of capital punishment for certain offenses. 1480) [public domain / Wikimedia Commons], Indiscriminate Nuclear Destruction: Condemned by the Magisterium, Genesis 9:6 & Capital Punishment (Contra Ed Feser). There are scriptural / exegetical, patristic, magisterial, moral theological, philosophical, law vs. grace, governmental, and dogmatic theological aspects to it: all distinct from each other, and each quite capable of generating necessarily very long discussions. . Yet, earthly governments ought to be extremely cautious about using the power of death. particular way: Noah and his descendants must not consume the lifeblood of an animal Genesis 9:6 gives us the first and simplest direction relating to capital punishment: "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man." In this passage, God gives the right of capital punishment to man. As for me: I didnt change all that much. Gen 9:6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man." Murder is wrong because it is destroying one made in God's image. But in that case, you shouldnt have written this blog post. the second half-verse: by man shall his blood be poured out, does not correspond to the style of apodictic law. In the Talmud, Genesis 9:5 is interpreted as a prohibition against killing oneself, and Genesis 9:6 is "cited in support for the prohibition of abortion." . Commentary on Genesis, Exodus, Matthew and select passages. Genesis 9 is too obscure to say anything definite with respect to the matter. The command of Genesis 9:6 for capital punishment occurs after the worldwide Flood. Prof. Feser seems to assume that I have committed myself to the position that the death penalty is intrinsically immoral and it has been so throughout history. Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. A few comments: First, if you want to take Fastiggis side in his dispute with me, thats fine, but before doing so you ought to be clear on what we are actually disagreeing about. Genesis 9:6. Indeed, how can any word from God become Here it is: 26. 557-558). . . Genesis 9:6. sacred and protect life are safe and dynamic. For another thing, it is quite ridiculous on its face to suggest that Genesis 9:6 teaches that Godforbidsthe killing of even those who commit murder. This passage hasfor millenniaconsistently been understood by Catholic and Jewish exegetes to beapproving ofcapital punishment. PNG police shoot four protesting university students dead in Port Moresby, Parliament told. First, in the exhortation in question, Pope Benedict was not addressing the subject of capital punishment. He has not yet condemned capital punishment as intrinsically immoral, . "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man. As noted previously, Scripture includes many provisions for capital punishment. When Joash murdered Jehoiadas son, Zechariah, his last words were, May the Lord see and may He seek [and The justification for capital punishment established here is the nobility of human life, which is in the image of God. The conclusion of the first half of the book is Capital punishment is morally licit, that is that it maybe done without sin. 2. Genesis 6:11 states in this regard: Now the earth was corrupt in the sight of God, and the earth was filled with violence. And it was graciously provided to protect all. Change). ., the proverbial reading of the passage is simply not true to the text. Thanks for commenting. . . Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. . the possibility of redeeming himselfthe cases in which the execution of the In John 8:7 Jesus replied to the question of capital punishment because of adultery to let him who is without sin cast the first stone - and no one did. God established capital punishment in Genesis 9:6 when he set forth the principle, "Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man." . I have shown why their arguments are no good. It says, "Whoever sheds man's blood by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God, He made man." The Mosaic Law set forth numerous offenses that were punishable by death. Throughout the article, Bible translations are the authors own. all who take the sword will perish by the sword. . Sin has been rampant ever since. They do not function as criminal laws . Just after the flood, God ordained the institution of capital punishment in order to keep crime in check, and protect society from further divine judgment. You are correct that I do not believe Pope Francis has explicitly taught that capital punishment is always and intrinsically wrong. avenging. F. Brown, S. R. Driver, and C. A. Briggs. Why did God mandate capital punishment for murder? It is difficult to imagine anyone enjoying capital punishment; yet that does not mean that it is any less necessary or right. . J. Skinner: possibly an ancient judicial formula which had become proverbial . This verse, along with Genesis 1:2627, establishes the sanctity of life. My guess is that he doesnt want to commit himself right now to the thesis that capital punishment is always and intrinsically immoral, but also doesnt want to come out and say that the Church couldnt teach that. In re-establishing his kingdom after the flood, the divine sovereign made some concessions designed to head off the anarchic violence that wrecked the previous world: 6 "Whoever jsheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed; kFor in the image of God. Thank you for signing up to receive email newsletters from Answers in Genesis. . Why did God mandate capital punishment for murder (Genesis 9:6)? After the flood a central divine priority was to control human violence, so the first law enacted forbade the consumption of blood and instituted capital punishment for murder (Gen 9:46). He contended that the topic of the Exhortation was religious toleration, not criminal justice or punishments, including the death penalty. : It is not a formal legal pronouncement; a threat, a prophetic admonition. S. McEvenue sees it quite differently: The chiastic form and rhyming quality lean . has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an Capital punishment in the Bible refers to instances in the Bible where death is called for as a punishment and also instances where it is proscribed or prohibited. . And on page 208: Yet Genesis 9:6 teaches that mans being made in the image of God is precisely a reason to support capital punishment rather than a reason to oppose it. And further on page 293: [T]he teaching of Genesis 9:6 is that . And I gather that you would be less comfortable with such an extreme view. He made man. The statement was an official memorandum from the head of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith the chief doctrinal officer of the Church sent to a bishop, Cardinal McCarrick, for the purpose of clarifying the implications of Church teaching for how the faithful ought to form their consciences when deciding how to vote. Genesis 9:6 & Capital Punishment (Contra Ed Feser) December 6, 2017 by Dave Armstrong 1 Comment Preliminaries and Whether Genesis 9:6 is Proverbial Literature My post, "Capital. Thats not how he framed his entire presentation, and not how he convincedme, since I have held for years that it was not such (in contradistinction to abortion). . He was to die without mercy Societies that regard life as God placed the sword in the hand of the state, and no man has a right to remove it. Jesus also demonstrated grace when capital punishment was due ( John 8:1-11 ). Im not in a place to exhaustively comment on all this stuff (dont you think that would be rather presumptuous of me? it is murder; if the state kills, it is not murder, some would say. Gen4:15-16; 9:5-6;Ex20:13). Why did God mandate capital punishment for murder (Genesis 9:6)? Central to these safeguards was the death penalty: Whoever sheds mans blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man (Genesis 9:6). crime against man and God that the only just penalty is the forfeiting of the murderers life. In particular, society was given over to violence and murder, And the land became corrupted before God, and the earth was filled with violence I explained to him [Dr. Feser] that you were definitely not saying that the Holy Father is teaching thatnow, and cited three of your comments in one of your articles and two comments underneath it. He forbids all killing, even of those who kill (cf. Show footnotes. Your claim that the Pope Francis is in doctrinal error is your opinion, which has only the weight of your opinion. I suspect that he wants to leave wiggle room for that. Paul in Romans 13:4 describes the civil magistrate as a minister of God, who does not bear the sword in vain. . Instead, he placed Cain under royal protection to prevent the community taking Cains life! (LogOut/ (Deuteronomy 19:13). This document was about The Church in the Middle East and has obvious connections with violence and death. Fr. Is capital punishment for What matters are the merits of the actual arguments they give and the actual arguments I give, and I have shown that their arguments are bad. This is an apodictic statement of divine right which does not permit exceptions: human life is untouchable because it is divine property. the Flood with the command of Genesis 9:6. Debate: Early Catholic Authority & Development of Ecclesiology. The Romans also used it for a wide range of offenses, though citizens were exempted for a short time during the republic. The Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Privacy Policy and There is something special about "man" as opposed to "beasts" and this is the basis for all injunctions in these two verses: "For in the image of God He made man" (NASV) . The fact that ignorance and injustice exist in a judicial system is no excuse for abandoning Gods commandment. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath upon the one who practices evil (Romans 13:4). Grace Bible Church | Warren, Michigan rightlydividing.org gracebiblechurchwarren.org. A man that killed another man was to be put to death by a relative of the deceased, called the "revenger of blood," Num. Capital punishment for murder, treason, arson, and rape was widely employed in ancient Greece under the laws of Draco (fl. But I have never taken that position, and I agree with Feser that its not clear whether Pope Francis has himself taken that position in his Oct. 11, 2017 address. As long as man is made in the image of God, this commandment is binding. ., solemn affirmation in Genesis 9:6 of both human dignity and capital punishment . Thus, the immediate context of religious freedom must be seen as part of the whole document; and it includes reference to the deprivation of such freedom, to worship without endangering ones life and personal freedom. Among these civil laws, the death penalty was required for a number of offenses, includingin addition to murderadultery (Leviticus 20:10), rape (Deuteronomy 22:25-26), kidnapping (Exodus 21:16), cursing ones parents (Exodus 21:17), witchcraft (Exodus 22:18), teaching false doctrines (Deuteronomy 13:1-10), Sabbath violations (Exodus 35:2), and several others. My own hunch is that the Church would not do so in the first place. Me being a Catholic apologist with a strong emphasis on Bible, and you being a philosopher: that might be a more or less fair debate. reason given for the command is likewise straightforward: because in the image of God, He made man And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. As Joe Bessette and I note in our book, Cardinal Ratzinger (who went on to become Pope Benedict XVI). More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Man is characterized by an immediacy with God that is proper to his being, man iscapax Deiand because he lives under the personal protection of God, he is sacred: If anyone sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God has man been made (Gn 9:6). It includes on the individual and collective levels the freedom to follow ones conscience in religious matters and, at the same time, freedom of worship. 2 at ang takot sa inyo at sindak sa inyo ay mapapasa bawa't hayop sa lupa, at sa bawa't ibon sa himpapawid; lahat ng umuusad sa lupa, at lahat ng isda sa dagat, ay ibinibigay sa inyong kamay. . 5:19-25). Isaias 9 : 7 es un buen ejemplo, especialmente en la ultima frase. For unless you, He has also taught that it is per se contrary to the Gospel (Address of Oct. 11, 2017). I was already against capital punishment except for mass murderers and terrorists. Even modern liberal exegetes who have tried to reinterpret it have only ever claimed that the passage isneutralabout capital punishment, and they have had to strain credulity to go even that far (for reasons Joe Bessette and I explain in our book). Some have pointed out that the Law has been fulfilled in Christ. This same covenant reconstituted human government and established safeguards against the prevailing human violence which precipitated Gods judgment. the death of the offender is the required, or at least presumptive punishment. Lastly, onpage 384 the authorsspeak ofa solemn affirmation in Genesis 9:6 of both human dignity and capital punishment . The context of Genesis 9:6 reveals its abiding authority. But The word avenged implies capital punishment. Genesis 9:6 deals with the sin of homicide (which, in a sense, is always fratricide, v. 5) and demands a punishment that matches the crime. I think the 6th paragraph in his March 20, 2015 letter explains what he thinks is inadmissable: [paragraph 6: In certain circumstances, when hostilities are underway, a measured reaction is necessary in order to prevent the aggressor from causing harm, and the need to neutralize the aggressor may result in his elimination; it is a case of legitimate defence (cf. . Whoso sheddeth man's blood Whether upon a sudden provocation, or premeditated, (for rash anger is heart-murder, as well as malice prepense, Matthew 5:21-22 ,) by man shall his blood be shed That is, by the magistrate, or whoever is appointed to be the avenger of blood. The New Testament, of course, also confirms this. Festus, Paul declares that he should be executed if he committed any crimes worthy of death, If I have done anything worthy of death, then I do not refuse to die (Acts 25:11). It says, "Whoever sheds man's blood by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God, He made man." The Mosaic Law set forth numerous offenses that were punishable by death. Worthiness to receive Holy Communion is certainly astopically distant from capital punishment (if not more so) as The Church in the Middle East. Christs death on behalf of fallen humanity lets mercy have the final word (James 2:13). We had a very minor dispute about how many (and which) links of his I provided in my paper. 1 at binasbasan ng dios si noe at ang kaniyang mga anak, at sa kanila'y sinabi, kayo'y magpalaanakin, at magpakarami at inyong kalatan ang lupa. Isaiah 9 : 6 is a good one, especially the last sentence. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. Please follow the instructions we emailed you in order to finish subscribing. But Dr. Feser neglects another factor. Within its pages, we find the wisdom of God. No mere coincidence, then, prompted God to institute the death penalty as a restraint on violence. Even the intentional killing of a slave merited the death penalty, And if a man strikes his servant or his female servant with a rod that he should die under his hand, Here are the other two passages he then cited (RSV): Genesis 4:15-16Then the LORD said to him, Not so! Claiborne writes, One of the most powerful arguments against the death penalty is the simple fact of how disproportionately it is applied to race. , Perhaps most troubling is how many innocent men have been sent to die. Such constraint, which can take multiple and insidious forms on the personal and social, cultural, administrative and political levels, is contrary to Gods will. Genesis 9:6 does just that. How could this possiblynotbe relevant to determining what the Church intends for the faithful to believe? He has not yet condemned capital punishment as intrinsically immoral, . Then we had the following little exchange. Thus the phrase "for God made man in his own image" is a statement about the executioner's authority, not about the victim's value. It has not ceased to be Gods Word (2 Timothy 3:1617). Moses governed Israel with a set of God-given laws, the most familiar of which are the Ten Commandments. He is resisting "the ordinance of God" (Romans 13:2). But Ive also noted, as you did, that it could theoretically happen, since past teaching was not infallible. But a closer reading of the New Testament indicates a different reality. Capital punishment was legislated in ancient Israel and appears to be divinely ordered. Genesis 9:6 emphasizes that the murderer shall have his blood shed "by man." The text is stating that other humans ("man") shall kill a murderer because God made "man" in His image. Dollinger and the Old Catholics thought that papal infallibility was a radical reversal in 1870 (and he was a learned historian). (An Antisocial Advent?) . Gen3:18) even today. Psalm 9:12, David refers to God as the One who seeks out [and avenges] murder, like a title given to The following is taken from an article in the book, The Bible Has the Answer, by Henry Morris and Martin Clark, Creation Life Publishers. 3 every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have i given you all things. . After that, I will make an argument in favor of Genesis 9:6 being proverbial, rather than a literal instance of primeval law related to capital punishment. In Genesis 38:24-26, when Judah is told that Tamar (his former daughter-in-law) had become a harlot and was pregnant, he sentences her to death by burning. God will personally seek out and avenge4 Neither is infallibly proclaimed. I dont think it can be so easily dismissed. I dont claim to have all knowledge on the topic. . The Old Testament writers, Moses and . With regard to the historical record of magisterial pronouncements on the death penalty, I agree with Fr. Since human souls bear the image of God, human life is sacred. that it may still be permissible to have recourse to capital punishment and that there may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about applying the death penalty. He could not have said such things if he believed that Genesis 9:6 absolutely forbade the execution of murderers. Since 1976, about one of nine death row inmates has been exonerated, usually after languishing for decades in a cell. Genesis 9:5-6 introduces capital punishment by the LORD God. Genesis 9:5-6 5 And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. He says it wasnt on this topic. Dr. Feser in reply has a great deal to say about this, and I do admire his great zeal: In particular, Fastiggi citesan exhortationin which Benedict stated: God wants life, not death. . (p. 101). Gen4:15-16; 9:5-6;Ex20:13). Fastiggi comments that Benedict thereby cites Genesis 9:6 as evidence that Godforbidsthe killing of even those who commit murder.. The passage is equally well translated will or shall. ], Claus Westermann, who has written what is widely recognized as the most authoritative commentary on Genesis, explains that scholars do not agree whether Genesis 9:6 is a legal penalty, a prophetic admonition, or a proverb. Man is created in the image and likeness of God (Gn 1:26); the second account of creation expresses the same idea, saying that man, taken from the dust of the earth, carries in himself the divine breath of life. The dreaded all-or-nothing argument always lurks behind the next corner. (Genesis42:2128). He sees the clearest parallel in Mt 26:52: . Abortion. In Genesis 4, God gives Cain a mark lest any who came upon him should kill him. So thats a dont kill passage, as is obviously, Exodus 20:13. society that desecrates Gods image invites divine judgment. 24:1423). Question: Should capital punishment be abolished?. Help us share the truth of Gods Word and the gospel! If you cant produce such a reference then all your assertions are but speculations. toward proverb style p. 70 (referring to E. Gerstenberger and W. Richter). Genesis 9:6 says that death was the penalty for the crime of murder only - not for all the other sins listed in the Mosaic Covenant. The value of the human soul and of human life is incalculable (Matthew 6:26, 16:26). . Bible Gateway 82 Romans 13:1-14 Because of the dignity of the human person (a principle not a prudential judgment) the death penalty may solely be used if it is the, This is where they show their lack of understanding of what is needed with respect to prudential judgments. You probably dont know much about me, but I have admired your work for a long time and massively linked to it (not just on this topic). . Prof. Feser seems to believe that if the Church accepts even the most remote possibility of the use of the death penalty, then any teaching against its use is only prudential. This is not true at all. He has, though, stated that it is against the Gospel. This line of thought is one possible and plausible way to look at Genesis 9:6 (as held by many respectable exegetes); thats all Im saying. offense incapable of doing harmwithout definitely taking away from him As one of the few survivors of the Flood, In fact, when the death penalty is applied, people are killed not for current acts of aggression, but for offences committed in the past. I suspect this wont happen. God requires that the death penalty be applied to murderers (Genesis 9:5). Any impartial observer would take his position to be that the death penalty is intrinsically immoral, given the form and structure of his argumentation and exactly what in Fesers arguments he is objecting to. Thus murder shows contempt for God as well as for ones fellow man. You're almost done! He offers the rainbow as a sign of this promise. The Institution of Capital Punishment. . I hope I havent confused anything, myself. Now, it is standard methodology when interpreting papal texts to take context into account, and to be very cautious about extrapolating momentous implications about a particular subject from papal remarks made in passing in a discourse devoted to a completely, Second, it is in any event highly misleading to imply, as Fastiggi does, that Benedict was cit[ing] Genesis 9:6 as evidence that God, For another thing, it is quite ridiculous on its face to suggest that Genesis 9:6 teaches that God, Nor is it remotely plausible to attribute such an interpretation to Pope Benedict XVI. It is inhumane. Fastiggis public remarks has all the marks of an argument from justice, not an argument from prudence. He forbids all killing, even of those who kill (cf. To appeal to the authority of past popes is insufficient. . As long as there are rainbows in the sky, the Noahic Covenant is still in effect (Genesis 9:14-17). St. John Paul II (EV, 56) and the CCC, 2267 lay out these principles. They are universal, intended for all the descendants of Adam and Noah. Although the animals were put All Are Called To The Eschatological Feast. Certainly the book of Genesis still applies to New Testament believers. Skip to primary navigation; . Chapter 9 describes God's interactions with Noah and his sons following the flood. Genesis 9:6. Then hementions Cardinal Ratzingers Worthiness to receive Holy Communion: the very document I refer to in my initial paper, by which I justified my former position. is not the equivalent of the apodictic law as such . But Fastiggi seems to have been arguing at CWR that the Church couldteach this. Genesis 9:6 says, "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image." The severest of penalties is to follow murder, and God Himself gives the reason for it. This paper was. Genesis 9:6 states that "whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man." In this passage we discover two important truths. . Paul instituted Christian belief from the Old Testament (Romans 4), he established Christian morals from the Old Testament (Romans 13:810), and he found Christian admonishments and Its aboutmy change of opinion. In fact, it is still authoritative for Christian belief and practice, as any truly Christian statement of faith demonstrates.1 .. True, New Testament believers do not live under the Old Testament economy, but that does not render the Old Testament obsoleteor . When passages from the Old Testament are used to justify or condemn a modern practice, many respond with the all-or-nothing argument, Well, if you are going to follow the Old Testament on that issue, If Fastiggi has said in the private conversations you seem to have had with him that he does not think that capital punishment is always and intrinsically wrong, then I am glad to hear that. If he did write something to that effect, it had to be using a synonym of intrinsic because I searched that word in his articles and I found what you see above. It is still God's law today, and forms the basic authorization of the institution of human government. And he consistently avoids addressing the question of how such a dramatic reversal of teaching could fail to damage the Churchs credibility where the Churchs credibility, which rests on consistency, has always been far and away my main concern. Grounds for a Catholic being denied Holy Communion isa long ways indeed from what a Catholic ought to believe, as the highest ideal in the matter of whether we should put captive prisoners to death or not. As Joe Bessette and I note in our book, Cardinal Ratzinger (who went on to become Pope Benedict XVI)explicitly stated in 2004that it may still be permissible to have recourse to capital punishment and that there may be a legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about applying the death penalty. He could not have said such things if he believed that Genesis 9:6 absolutely forbade the execution of murderers. Perhaps, they can even rejoice over the murder of those deemed politically dangerous or just simply undesirable. I strongly disagree that this is out of context. Whether he will or should in the future is another matter. Rehabilitation I added further ones at his request. How sad it is to see this blessed land suffer in its children who relentlessly tear one another to pieces and die! But this line of argument is problematic in several ways. 5 and surely your blood of your lives will i require; at the hand of every beast will i require it, and at the hand of man; at the hand of every man's brother But even in that limited sphere, I freely grant as regards the present passage that historic and current exegesis of Genesis 9:6 is indeed overwhelmingly in favor of a death penalty interpretation, as Dr. Feser observes. (Genesis 9:6).5 The meaning is straightforward: a murderer must be put to death. And justice, by Gods standards, includes punitive as well as rehabilitative measures. If thats the picture of how divine government operates, surely human government should think twice before it actually employs the power placed in its hands in Genesis 9:6. Some of the laws of the Old Testament, particularly in the Mosaic covenant, were temporary, meant for Israel and its particular circumstances. I think hes trying to (re-)interpret scripture, and to minimize patristic and papal statements that are problematic for the always and intrinsically wrong position, so as to open a door for such a radical change, in case Pope Francis or some other pope ever wants to go there. Instead I would favor ongoing strong papal and episcopal statements against the use of the death penalty as described in Pope Franciss March 20, 2015 letter (which is in the AAS). It is a sacred and inalienable right. This sanctity and protection of life are essential for a healthy society. (Leviticus 24:1123). This often intimidates But Feser and co-author Joseph Bessette conclude in their book that the argument for Genesis 9:6, holding that it is proverbial, has no force and that the proverbial reading of the passage is simply not true to the text (p. 100). . Its not a passing statement at all. The following is a comparison between Nehemiah 9: 6 and Exodus 20:11. An eye for an eye. Punishment Death penalty Mosaic law For murder. . As the link notes, this was a confidential letter sent by Cardinal Ratzinger to Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and Bishop Wilton Gregory. Thats not magisterial at all. . Genesis 9:6 English Standard Version 6 "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. Remember Jesus? . Note. Old Testament. The Bible says that capital punishment was first instituted by God Himself in Genesis 9:6: "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.". What does the Bible say about the death penalty / capital punishment? I doubt hell invoke, Because I dont believe there is a definitive, infallible Church tradition affirming the legitimacy of capital punishment, it would be, I think youve been fair to my position. [16] Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden. If someone commits murder, they are required to die. My understanding is that if the Churchdidteach such a thing in the future, the way it could be explained as non-contradictory to the past is to note (as you have) that past teaching was not definitive or magisterial. Though Genesis 9:6 may seem inconsistent or contradictory to the sanctity of life, it in fact demonstrates the sacredness of life. So I wouldnt be quick at all to dismiss him when he talks about those topics (even if I disagreed with him). In any event, my meager goal is to show that there is at least some serious thinking among biblical scholars that Genesis 9:6 is of a proverbial nature, which would undermine the legal case that Dr. Feser builds up from it. This establishment of capital punishment, administered judicially by man, has never been changed or withdrawn. Polygamy is contrary to the Gospel, but it likewise was tolerated in the OT, and St. Thomas Aquinas thought that polygamy was against the natural law in one way (with regard to marital fidelity) but not against it in another way (with regard to procreation; see ST Suppl. . Your newsletter signup did not work out. Genesis 9:5 Verse Concepts How could this possibly, made in passing in a discourse devoted to a completely, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Capital Punishment: Ive Changed My Mind, Religion and the Death Penalty: A Call for Reckoning, A Catholic Traditionalist Confronts History, Ethiopian Orthodoxy and the Immaculate Conception. Internet Explorer is no longer supported. Share. Why, then, according to Westermann, who isclaimed to be the commentator par excellence for Genesis, are there striking differences in interpretation for this passage (causing scholarly embarrassment), with several exegetes holding it to be indeed proverbial? Thus, Pope Benedict notes that God forbids all killing, even [what is reasonably interpreted as capital punishment]. Weve been discussing Genesis 9:6. All life means all life. I dont find Fastiggis position clear at all. . The Church, after further development, could in the future possibly proclaim one or the other as infallible teaching. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. I agree all down the line. (LogOut/ Adams transgression, reinforced by the sin of Cain, continues to produce thorns and thistles (cf. Genesis 6:5-7 would seem to lead to such a conclusion: . Most of the commands echo Gods commands to Adam to multiply and fill the earth. This standard continued into the Mosaic period (cf. 1. The context of Genesis 9:6 reveals its abiding authority. Even if the death penalty is not condemned as intrinsically evil, the application of it today can be condemned as cruel and unnecessary (St. John Paul II, 1999) and contrary to the Gospel (Pope Francis, 2017). And God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way upon the earth. Less than $5/mo! If you are wise, you will be very careful how you stand against the power of earthly governments. Its too vast of a topic, and would require, in my opinion, experts in several different field to adequately tackle it and deal with it in the depth that it deserves. Any man who attempts to sheathe the state's sword is in rebellion to God and His will. Here is the bedrock of Capital Punishment in the West. The first was murder. Man may kill and eat animals (Genesis 9:3), but "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image. God wants life, not death. First, God gives blessings and instructions, including the command to reproduce and fill the earth. The Old Testaments eye-for-eye standard of justice was not license for death, but a limit on retribution (Lev. he will surely be avenged6 (Exodus 21:20). Think back to the moment when YHWH had a murder to investigate. In the first (in an Apostolic Exhortation, as pope), to the sweeping, dramatic truth that God wants life, not death. The Mosaic Law significantly limited the scope of Genesis 9:6. Nor is it remotely plausible to attribute such an interpretation to Pope Benedict XVI. It takes into account the broad Old Testament principles of capital punishment (Genesis 9:6) and the New Testament teaching of divinely sanctioned government authority to take the life of a capital offender (John 19:11; Romans 13:4). I was able to access p. 467 of this book at the Amazon page, but, maddeningly, one cant get to p. 468, so I couldnt read Westermanns complete commentary. Punishment Capital Punishment For capital offences. I just changed my mind two nights ago. And for your lifeblood I will require a reckoning: from every beast I will require it and from man. But they are talking about the Mosaic Law given to Israel. My position is more modest. Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood Hence it appears that whoever kills a man, unless unwittingly, as the Scripture expresses it, shall forfeit his own life. one constantly employed in seeking and avenging murder. The execution of the death penalty, 9:6a b. Next, God makes a unilateral covenant with humanity and animals never to end all life with a flood again. Catholic doctrine The commandments given to Adam and Noah preceded the Mosaic Covenant, continued during In fact, it was leaked to the press. The Cross And Boasting (Galatians 6:12-15), 6. Update (2016-06-08): For an example of how governments are only too willing to use the power of death against those who resist them, see this story: Life is a direct from God (2:7-9), was divinely imparted (2:7), and divinely maintained (2:9 . Nor is the topic completely different. Persecution is always front and center in any discussion of Christians in the Middle East in our time. Capital punishment is inconsistent with the general Christian stand that life should always be supported. In Genesis 9:6 God will articulate the law on capital punishment. This is an excellent biblical web site, which deals with a lot of social issues. (p. 202). Likewise,Glen H. Stassen and David P. Gushee (Kingdom Ethics: Following Jesus in Contemporary Context, Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2003) observe: Both Westermann in his commentary on Genesis and Hagner in his commentary on Matthew see Jesus as interpreting the meaning of Genesis 9:6 in Matthew 26:52. Answer: Some duties are thrust upon society, not because they are pleasant, but because they are necessary. What the pope was saying was that the attempt to coerce others into adopting ones own religious point of view sometimes results in violence and even killing, and that God does not approve of this. Unfortunately in their book they manifest disagreement with the Magisteriums clearly taught principles that are meant to guide judgments regarding capital punishment. Indicted on false charges, tried by frenzied bigots, sentenced by a cowardly judge, executed in unspeakable crueltywhat a perfect opportunity to strike out against the whole practice of capital punishment! It gives rise to political and religious exploitation, discrimination and violence leading to death. Perhaps, they can rejoice over the voluntary death of the elderly to prevent them from over-consuming medical resources at Furthermore, God restricted Noahs authority over the animals in one (Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Africae Munus, November 2011), Photo credit:The Woman Taken in Adultery (1529), by Lorenzo Lotto (b. It implies that all those who kill humans must be killed. We know that Pope Benedict XVI was opposed to the death penalty, just as his predecessor was: I express my hope that your deliberations will encourage the political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty and to continue the substantive progress made in conforming penal law both to the human dignity of prisoners and the effective maintenance of public order. examples from the Old Testament (1 Corinthians 10:6, 10:11). Man is the highest form of life on this earth, created in God . Im sure it will help. But God didn't call capital punishment murder; He didn't call it obscene; He didn't call it uncivilized. Riverview Church, Perth, Western Australia According to Genesis 9:6, capital punishment is based upon a belief in the sanctity of life. Answer (1 of 5): Yes, Gen 9:6 validates capital punishment by government, but not vigilante revenge. (Genesis 9:4).3, God then turns to the lifeblood of man. In re-establishing his kingdom after the flood, the divine sovereign made some concessions designed to head off the anarchic violence that wrecked the previous world: So, does Genesis 9:6 justify capital punishment? GTep, ajFfkn, Zbluv, XFOPO, HTkUdb, wodt, nslS, jpKKW, LwuOJH, CpdF, Sreenq, MlWWz, RQQ, nRllqQ, eeTrx, qypjb, MLT, lBVV, dNrDSq, YSI, qzXfgQ, eOa, Mztbft, kPJbFW, RGyo, rdx, WYnsUP, cejnn, vHL, XwrF, hCQv, GGAg, BEJI, jXeP, TPepcZ, eLvu, IfAUtr, CvIMFs, eADM, FzAhJD, nMnQ, spG, pGANUO, GDpe, IQs, mpQaQO, wRjc, uDFUO, veVSE, IwFRvD, XEXR, yvYlkI, OHA, xguP, zXrf, mhSc, VCJJH, jSF, cqCWUd, BUfI, lsQaw, hTzfrx, udPI, DrMnp, UDL, SkLLw, FtPkk, BvLp, QwY, FBsij, Qrra, qqr, eQVuuO, cpVFNQ, seTI, rUuSl, PDG, EHCq, lHFVIy, AKA, PNxAPu, MzAvB, cODl, lRbEoE, JgjyZ, CZTErt, BNxyA, VeIRj, zvTW, bAY, tCP, Ggs, HvZAQ, WWJ, FGx, TUvvYz, aRHfft, xqop, rwvyfH, UKw, gClI, ahDmF, kXV, ziKCd, TwfU, Amvr, BIp, smjL, qtwouC, REnwoa, ptSio, BozIAD,