Roman Catholics believed that the death of Jesus was part of God’s plan and that it helped all humans to be forgiven for the sins that they have done. When he rose form the dead, he showed that God could grant forgiveness because the ultimate enemy, “death” was defeated. Today, reconciliation is achieved by baptism and renewed through the sacrament of penance, and the celebration of mass. There are two ways in which the sacrament of penance can be celebrated. The first is an Individual celebration of penance which is more commonly known as confession. Confession helps sinners to realise what they have done and indirectly facilitates their reconciliation with others. The other way in which penance can be celebrated is a community celebration. This is where a community of people celebrate penance emphasizing the social aspects of sin.
There are many stories in the Bible that illustrate the way in which individuals were reconciled. This is shown in the story of Zacchaeus. Zacchaeus was a cheat who had climbed a tree just to see Jesus thereby showing his faith in Jesus. Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ house and it was here that Jesus loved him despite of his sins. This showed Zacchaeus the error of his ways and he repaid everyone he cheated. So by faith Zacchaeus sins were forgiven and he was reconciled with the people he had cheated.
Punishment is a penalty that is imposed onto a sinner as the result of the crime that they have committed. Crime is a criminal act that a certain individual carries out which is against the law or God’s commandments. The main causes of crime are greed, personal revenge, boredom, influence from television etc. These conditions can lead crimes such as vandalism, theft, assault, murder etc. The types of punishments given out for these crimes include imprisonment, community service, fines, attendance centres etc. The main aim of punishment is to reform criminals and make them realise the errors of their ways. Punishment is also imposed on criminals so that society is kept safe and that they feel safe. Society also shows that crime is not tolerable to criminals through punishing them. Punishment also puts potential criminals of because they do not want to endure the punishments.
A02: Capital Punishment
Capital punishment is the death sentence which is aimed to kill the criminal that has committed an exceptionally gruesome crime. Not all Christians take the same view on capital punishment. Christians believe that God will forgive those who have done wrong only if they are sorry truly sorry for their sins and turn back to God. Christians also believe that they must offer forgiveness to offenders and help them to reform. Some Christians say that you should hate the sin but love the sinner.
In the Bible there seems to be many good reasons for and against capital punishments. For example in the book of Genesis, it is stated that “whoever sheds the blood of man by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” Nevertheless Jesus taught people that they should try to reform the sinner and not to seek revenge. Backing thus up is the sixth commandment which states that “thou shall not kill.” This is true although in society, people must protect the innocent and punish crimes evenly. This is backed up by the right of revenge given by Moses; “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a life for a life.” However the teaching of forgiveness stresses that Jesus changed the old teaching of Moses’ “eye for and eye,” to “do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you... love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Society has put forward many good reasons for and against capital punishment. One example is that capital punishment puts of potential murderers who may try to kill innocent people. This therefore protects innocent people who may be victims of murderers. Despite this argument, other Christians say that capital punishment is wrongdoing, inhumane, and is murder in itself which is against the commandment “do not kill.” Sometimes, mistakes can also be made and innocent people are get executed. Some Christians also say that life is sacred which is quite true because all humans are put on earth for a reason and everybody is part of God’s plan. It is also said that despite the cruelty of capital punishments, it does not deter murderers according to statistics. Capital punishment is also a cruel, and clod blooded form of killing. It is therefore a violation of the right to live.
Nevertheless most Christians believe that punishment and forgiveness can go together. It helps to reform the criminal and makes it easier for the criminal to be forgiven. It helps the criminal to realise his wrongdoings. Therefore, in my opinion punishments are necessary but capital punishment is not a right form of punishment as it does not allow the criminal to understand his wrongdoings and reform. Ultimately Christians believe that the giving and receiving of life is in God’s hands and not for humans to tamper with. “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
