webster...
My last post on the subject since I believe that I have stated quite clearly what I think is taught by the Bible, and the New Testament in particular on the subject of capital punishment. I see no reason for you to twist what I wrote, but will argue no longer. We are truly on different wavelengths.
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"From your statements it appears that you believe the rights and authorities of the State transcend those of the collective individuals which comprise that State."
In one sense, yes. I believe that it is difficult to read Romans 13:1-7 any other way than instructing Christians to be obedient to the civil authorities except where it is against the commandments of God. Also, Jesus said "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and render unto God that which is God's". Even when we feel we must disobey, we should be prepared to accept the punishment the civil authorities mete out. That hardly means that I condone much less prefer communism, socialism, dictatorships, or any other kind of government than democracy. It does mean that I would obey the civil laws of where I live as much as I could and still obey God.
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"You assert that the silence of the New Testament on the issue of capital punishment is consent - that Jesus did not specifically condemn the Romans for public crucifixions, so they're OK. I simply assert that there is no approval for capital punishment in the NT, and for a "Christian" to use the Bible as justification for civil laws invoking capital punishment is absurd."
You are flogging a dead horse here. I have made my arguments and backed them up with both direct quotes and logical inferences from the New Testament, foregoing the Old Testament arguments for your sake. It is up to you what you do with those statements and your reaction to them is between you and God - not me.
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"Here I call a Christian one who follows the law of the NT in preference to the Old. If you prefer to rely on the Old Testament to back your case, I won't disagree, but I would hardly call you a follower of Christ."
Now who is being judgemental?? If you read my post (I am not convinced by your repeated remarks that you ever did), you will see that I used direct quotes, inferences, and logic all based on the New Testament and left out all the Old Testament backing for capital punishment.
As for disregarding the Old Testament -
2 Timothy 3:15-17
3:15 "... from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom which leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:16 All scripture is inspired by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness
3:17 that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
That was written by Paul at a time when the New Testament was first being formed and not in existence as we know it today. Paul was referring to the Old Testament, not the New.
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