a couple of thoughts:
no true christian would support the death penalty. that said, no true christian would do a lot of things that many “christians” do on a regular basis. ive yet to encounter a “true” christian, in every sense of the faith. that doesnt mean they are bad, they simply have modified beliefs, which is fine. they just shouldnt profess to follow christs teachings to the letter.
yanny is correct that it is the law, and the sentence should stand as long as it is the law.
nothing williams has done since being convicted has redeemed what he did. he has done some good works, fine, but i dont see that as an excuse for the murders he was convicted on, the other murders he probably committed, and the gang he founded. how do you know hes even truly reformed? he might just be trying to pull an act to live. who knows. i dont buy it, but even if its genuine, he hasnt redeemed himself in my eyes. christ is all about forgiveness though, so if hes truly repentent, he will be forgiven.
CC- the problem with your argument is that its anti-death penalty people trying to have it both ways. its fine that you dont support the death penalty, but its somewhat hypocritical for your reasoning to include life in prison is a “harsher sentence”. since the law isnt about “punishment” (another typical argument), along with the “cruel and unusual” amendment which anti-death penalty people like to refer to. its fine to believe this way, but its a poor argument. i mean, based on the reasoning you offered, couldnt life in prison be seen as “cruel and unusual?” an argument i heard awhile back went something like “nothing is more cruel or unusual than confinig someone to an 8x8 cell for the rest of their life, with no hope of release, surrounded by murderous, violent people, etc.”
i support the death penalty because for those who commit the highest crimes, they cannot be kept in society. they must be removed from it, they are unfit to live. maybe it is nicer to them to kill them rather than jail them for life. but the law isnt about revenge, or inflicting the most punishment on someone.
additionally, the website patton listed is racist. while it may be true (i think it is) that black convicts are more likely to be sentenced to the death penalty, this is a fault with society, not the justice system. there is nothing inherent to the system that brings racism, it is societal prejudices. argue against that, if you will, but do not say:
could send a signal to other inmates that doing good works behind bars may be rewarded – and a message of hope to young African-Americans.
first of all, doing “good works” behind bars should not be rewarded with any kind of clemency towards your sentence. maybe you truly found god, and now you will be a saint for the rest of your life. wonderful. you still killed people, and must pay your debt to society. “good deeds” should not merit clemency undue the sentence (meaning they should influence a parole hearing, since thats what the entire point of the practice is), but not a death sentence, or life without parole. the only thing that should grant clemency for death/life without parole is new evidence, an appeal, etc.
second, this is counterproductive to stopping racism, because it promotes an “us vs. them” attitude.
is there any reason why the sentence should be commuted other than because he is black, or he has done “good works” in prison? if you believe either of those should be enough, thats fine. i dont at all. we’ll agree to disagree then, because you wont convince me.
IL: your not a true christian then. christ is forgiveness and mercy. God is the only judge. it is arrogant and sinful for man to judge, because it assumes a role higher than that given to him by God. sinners will face their judgement and punishment for their sins. virtuous people do not commit sins, even in retribution for other sins. christianity has no place for “justified killing”. killing is killing according to christ. its always a sin.
