Maybe the death penalty is wrong, but is it idolatry?

Some folks say that they are for the death penalty because it is just. But I don’t understand how Christians can make that argument. My pastor always told us to wish for God’s mercy rather than God’s justice (for if we receive justice, we all deserve death). If then, we as Christians are not supporting the death penalty for the sake of justice, why?

The way I read the Old Testament, the most common sin committed by God’s people was idolatry. It seems like we should be quick to wonder if we are idolaters.

Idolatry means trusting something other than God for our lives. It means looking to something other than God to make our lives secure and prosperous.

Maybe it is to feel safer and even righteous that tomorrow I and other residents of North Carolina will have Patrick put to death. On Thursday night there will be a last supper. On Friday he will be executed. That sacred liturgy is repeated each time.

I think the “I” I wear, names me and it, rightly.

-Tim