Death Penalty: Thumbs up or Turn down?

By: Randolf Galon

The recent execution of the Filipina in China proven guilty of drug trafficking, for smuggling 6.198 kilos of heroin into China brought into the limelight again the issue of capital punishment. This execution of a Filipina Overseas Worker was the fourth execution in China, since 2011. A spokesman from the Department of Foreign Affairs however, acknowledges and even called out many Filipino OFWs to avoid involvement with drug syndicates and recognized that drug trafficking is indeed a criminal act in the Philippines and all over the world.  Philippines is a country known to be against death penalty. Philippines was actually the first country in Asia to abolish the death penalty in 1987. However, in 1992 it was restored through Republic Act No. 759 because of the worsening of crime situations in the country. On June 2006 however, it was abolished again with the enactment of R.A. No. 9346, with majority of support from the Congress.  The primary reason for its abolition was that the concern for the safety and protection of the lives of the Filipino people. According to data from government agencies, in 2010 alone, there had been an estimated 9.5 million Filipinos living and working all over the world, comprising 10% of the nations’ total population.

Biblical arguments against execution:

a. First, Jesus said: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you... whoever slaps you on your right cheek; turn the other to him also." Mat. 5:38-39

b. Second, Jesus forgave the woman "caught in adultery, in the very act." To those arguing that she should be put to death, Jesus said:"He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7

c. Third, Jesus taught believers to forgive:"But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Mat. 6:15

d. Fourth, the New Testament teaches Christians not to judge:"Judge not, that you be not judged." Mat. 7:1

e. Fifth, Paul taught believers to:Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse... Repay no one evil for evil... do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I Will repay," says the Lord." Rom. 12:14, 17, 19 

Biblical arguments 

in support of capital punishment:

a. God Instituted The Death Penalty

On numerous occasions, God has executed the death penalty Himself. One whole generation suffered the death penalty from God, with the exception of Noah and his family. All others perished in the flood sent by God. See Genesis 6,7.

b. God Instructed Human Government To Exercise the Death Penalty

The very day that God instituted human government, He made the death penalty mandatory for murder and instructed human government to carry it out! "Whoso sheddeth man's blood, BY MAN shall his blood be shed . . ." (Genesis 9:6). "And God spake unto Noah, and to his sons with him, saying, And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you;. . . And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations." (Genesis 9:8,9,12).

c. God Has Never Repealed The Death Penalty

In James 2:10-13 and I Peter 2:13-15, the scriptures refer to rulers, lawbreakers and punishment, but in none of these can we find the death penalty refuted. If there was any change in the New Testament concerning the death penalty, surely it would be clearly stated here or elsewhere. Instead we read, " . . he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword." (Revelation 13:10).

d. The Death Penalty Is The Foundation Of Salvation

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die." (Ezekiel 18:4). "Sin when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:15). "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." (Psalms 9:17). "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15). 

My stand

Death penalty or Capital punishment is definitely an issue not defined in the Bible. Both sides have relatively strong and valid scripture support for such causes, may be in favor or against it. 

Proper execution of laws. Life is frail. Take care of it. The government must ensure fair trial and treatment of people regardless of his/her status in the society. 

Restoration. Capital punishment should not be the only option especially in executing punishment for the wrong that was done. Instead, it should be considered as the last option for a person to be executed.    

Justice, mercy, and grace for all. Above all, just as we are recipient of God’s justice, mercy and grace, we also must ought to show likewise to the person.     

What is your stand against capital punishment or death penalty?

What punishment can you give instead of death penalty? Why?  

CAN TERRORISM BE JUSTIFIED?

By, Jeevan Shrestha

Terrorism is “is the systematic use of terror or unpredictable violence against governments, public or individuals to attain a political objective. Terrorism has been used by political organizations with both rightist and leftist objectives, by nationalistic and ethnic groups, by revolutionaries, and by the armies and secret police of governments themselves.”

History of Terrorism

Terrorism has been in practice throughout history of the world.  Roman emperors Tiberius (AD 14–37) and Caligula (AD 37–41) used various means of terrorism such as banishment, expropriation of property, and execution to discourage opposition to their rule. The Spanish Inquisition used arbitrary arrest, torture, and execution to punish what it viewed as religious heresy. Robespierre openly advocated the use of terror by encouraging revolutionary virtue during the French Revolution, leading to the period of his political dominance called the Reign of Terror (1793–94). After the American Civil War (1861–65) defiant Southerners formed a terrorist organization called the Ku Klux Klan to threaten supporters of Reconstruction.

Terrorism was adopted as virtually a state policy by such totalitarian regimes as those of Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and the Soviet Union under Stalin. They arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and executed people without legal guidance or restraints, to create a climate of fear and to encourage adherence to the national ideology and the declared economic, social, and political goals of the state.  In the latter half of the 19th century, terrorism was adopted by adherents of anarchism in Western Europe, Russia, and the United States with the belief that to effect revolutionary political and social change the best way was to assassinate persons in positions of power.

Terrorism has been used by one or both sides in anti-colonial conflicts (Ireland and the United Kingdom, Algeria and France, Vietnam and France/United States), in disputes between different national groups over possession of a contested homeland (Palestinians and Israel), in conflicts between different religious denominations (Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland), and in internal conflicts between revolutionary forces and established governments (Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iran, Nicaragua, El- Salvador, Argentina).

Revenge Vs Justice

Kidnappings, assassinations, skyjackings, bombings, and hijackings are some of the acts Terrorist used for legitimate political activities. In view of all these acts, Terrorism is ethically wrong because innocents’ lives are lost, many of them become homeless and poor, national and public property’s are destroyed, the impact of terrorist attack brings and most importantly, the life of civilians are not secure at any time. The terrorist attacks are purely evil. However, when the victim country reacts upon such terrorism, is it ethically right? Are they guilty of doing the same kinds of action with the same kinds of intentions and consequences by killing thousands of innocent people and ruining their country’s property when seeking to capture or murder the culprit? Does “the Act of Revenge” solve the problem of terrorism? After killing every member of terrorist do we feel justified? Are we willing to admit that we have committed terrorist actions and we propose violence against ourselves making everyone immune to the attacks? Is revenge always the right way? These are questions that I wrestle with, whenever I think of terrorism and its effect on different level.

How Should a Christian Response to Terrorism? 

What should be a Christian response to what the terrorists have done? Should we forgive them and turn the other cheek? 

The foremost Christian response to terrorism is to confide in the Character of Christ as revealed to us by the Holy Spirit. Christ Jesus is our ultimate confidence, for He has secured Peace for us, giving us the assurance that we need not be afraid of the terror, violence, intimidation, coercion, or death of this world. Christ clearly said that "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful….. "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 14:27; 16:33).” Therefore, For Christians confidence in Christ is the chief weapon in the conflict with the terrorism of the world. For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end, (Hebrews 3:14).

The Scripture clearly says that we are not to take punishment into our own hands but to defer vengeance to God through legitimately established governments (Rom. 12:17; 19). Vengeance belongs to God because only He knows perfectly the hearts of men and only He can temper vengeance and justice (Heb. 10:30). Therefore, the way to overcome evil is not through personal revenge or hatred but through personal good and compassion and be a voice for calm in an atmosphere of hatred and retaliation. Let's seek opportunities to bring hope and forgiveness, help and grace, in the midst of that devastation. Let's seize every opportunity to speak of God's love and man's need.  Perhaps then we could find some common ground and start working out a strategy for engagement instead of first thinking of revenge or violence.

Acts of Terrorism can never be justified. Do you agree?

Work Cited:

http://www.terrorismfiles.org/encyclopaedia/terrorism.html

http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Fellowship/Response.to.Terrorism.html

Just War: When Is It Right To Go to War?

by Severino Aquino

The CBSNEWS has reported in their daily latest news as of July 28, 2013 that “North Korea puffs out its chest 60 years after war’s end.” The country has mired in problem puts on display reminiscent of Cold War era to mark it calls victory of “Fatherland Liberation War.” The other news is about Egypt must "step back from the brink." The U.S secretary of state condemns recent violence in Cairo, call for entering government to respect right of protesters.[1]This is only few of much news about war that has been happening around the globe. If we are aware of it, this might alarm us of the harm that people might inflict to those people involved. Whether we like it or not the lives of these many innocent civilians including those military, police, and the militants involved are at stake. One of the terrorist’s attacks that were recorded in history was the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack of the Twin tower in US. “CNN and other television networks were quickly to focus their cameras on the disaster, enabling untold numbers of viewers to witness the second jetliner as it banked into the south tower 18 minutes later, blowing a cloud of flame and debris out the other side.”[2] This attack had ended many innocent lives, and recorded as “one among the great calamities of American history, a day of infamy like Pearl Harbor, Oklahoma City, Lockerbie.”[3] The reported people that were killed are 3,000, and more than 400 casualties were police officers and firefighters, and over 10,000 people were treated for injuries.”[4] How does the government respond in such situation like this? Can they do something to fight back whichever country did this to them? Yes, they did when the government announces war against Afghanistan. However, was their response just? Did 9/11 provide moral Justification for the war in Afghanistan?

The “just war view” has this to say about war. Not all evil can be avoided. We must clear that an ethical position, such as the just war theory or any alternative to it, is an ideal that is normative for all people as to how they ought to act and what they should intend. It does not try to justify war. Rather it tries to bring war under the control of justice. It also insists that private individuals have no right to use force. Thus, just war focuses on the following:  Just cause, Just intention, Last resort, formal declaration, limited objectives, proportionate means, and non-combatant immunity. [5] Then, Just War is more on the defense rather than aggression.

Biblical perspectives about just war can be found in the following passages in the Bible such as Deut 7:1–2; 13:12–16. This also applies directly to foreign nations and peoples. They were to be “utterly” destroyed. The last section from Deuteronomy, while pertaining to affairs within Israel, nevertheless in warlike imagery shows a command of God to utterly destroy an entire city. The right to use arms is accorded to the civil authorities ((Romans 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). The government is divinely commission to restrain and punish evil doers. In addition, we have to understand that the passage pertains directly to matters of criminal justice and the civil order and only by extrapolation to international conflict. Furthermore, the context concerns the law of love with its repudiation of vengeful action, its concern for those who suffer, including ones enemies, and its pursuit of peace.[6]

In conclusion, it seems to be that there is sufficient warrant in Scripture for both "just cause" and "just means." But as a church we must apply wisdom to each case of warfare to determine if our involvement in the war is justified. However, we also have caution ourselves that as a citizen since we have only rarely access of the complete picture of what is happening around us. Nonetheless, we have to understand that it is possible for a wise Christian both to love his enemy and to use force against him, if necessary.

In this cruel age, how should Christians act? Should they under action and participate in the fighting? Is it better to fight than not to fight? Could participation in war perhaps be a lesser evil than allowing aggression and terror to go uncheck and unpunished?   

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        [1]Kerry, article (http://www.cbsnews.com/world/, accessed July 28, 2013)

        [2] Serge Schmemenn, Hijacked Jets Destroy Twin Towers and Hit Pentagon, article (http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/big/0911.html, accessed July 28, 2013)

        [3] Ibid

        [4] 11 Facts About 9/11, article (http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/11-facts-about-911, accessed July 28, 2013)

        
       [5] Robert G. Clouse, ed., War: Four Christian Views, New ed. (Downers Grove, Ill.: Intervarsity Pr, 1991), 118-135. 

       [6] Ibid

Prostitution: Prevalent but not a Helpless, Hopeless Case

by Zhelle Capindo

According to Sol F. Juvida in Philippines - Children: Scourge of Child Prostitution, “The Philippines ranks 4th among nine nations with the most number of children in prostitution (60,000 to 100,000 as of 1997), with Metro Manila, Angeles City, Puerto Galera in Mindoro Province, Davao and Cebu as the top five areas for child prostitution and sex tourism.”1 So just imagine what could possibly be the figure now.

Isn’t it sad to see that a country like ours which is known as the only Christian country in Asia is also among those who top the list of countries where prostitution is prevalent? Ironic it seems, right? Not only that. A report from Coalition Against Trafficking of Women Asia-Pacific states that “there are around 400,000 to 500,000 prostituted persons in the country that include women, some male, transvestites and children.”2 In a video clip entitled Prostitution in the Philippines: Finding a Way Out, the reporter said that: “There are over 5,000 prostitutes in Quezon City alone.”3

Why is prostitution rampant in our country despite the fact that it is illegal? Are those people peddling flesh in the streets, taxis, bars, hotels, and even parks merely forced into the flesh trade or they are there on their own decision? But why when they surely are aware of its consequences?

Causes of Prostitution

Studies show different causes why people are into prostitution. In R. Barri Flowers’ Prostitution in the Digital Age: Selling Sex From the Suite to the Street, he mentioned several theories of the causes of prostitution such as biological, psychological, sociological, economic, and the ones which we commonly think of as what drives people into prostitution are what he calls “correlates” of prostitution like sexual abuse, substance abuse, sexual orientation/gender identity, survival sex, sexual slavery, and sexual adventure and promiscuity.4

Needless to say, poverty (plus perhaps the desire to earn money in a fast and easy way) is one of the prime reasons why prostitution is widespread in our country. For countless times, I have seen and heard reports about women from provinces being recruited to work in big cities like Manila as household helpers but when they reached the city they are prostituted, often times without the knowledge of their parents or families. Some would try to escape but sadly, others will soon give in and continue in the flesh trade in their own volition (but still under the supervision or control of their pimps) as it allows them to earn much which they usually send back home to support the needs of their families, or to help send siblings to school, or for the medications of ailing parents, but there are cases also that those individuals being prostituted are not well compensated.

Solutions to Prostitution

Some of the solutions to prostitution as suggested by the Philippine Commission on Women are the following: (1) redefine prostitution, (2) target the demand side; criminalize those who exploit people in prostitution, (3) decriminalize women in prostitution; regard them as victims not criminals, (4) define person exploited in prostitution or a prostituted person, and (5) establish support mechanisms for prostituted persons to get out of the system of prostitution.4

We certainly are not unaware that our country has laws against prostitution which can aid in working out those suggestions given above but we are equally aware that because our government is not consistent and persistent enough to implement its laws, prostitution is becoming a widespread business in the country. It is even becoming a “tourist attraction,” sad to say. However, we can still be thankful that in some parts of the country, government officials are determined to help solve the problems on prostitution. In the video clip you can see below, the reporter mentioned and I quote:

“In 2005, Quezon City passed an ordinance protecting prostituted women from arrests. After six years of visiting the streets, the ordinance is finally fully implemented today. Now, police arrests the pimps and patrons instead of the prostitutes. Streetwalkers of Cubao say, “Cases of abuse have decreased significantly.”5 

Aside from the government, there are several non-government organizations (NGO's), private advocates, or Christian organizations (like the Coalition Against Trafficking of Women in Asia-Pacific and Samaritana Transformation Ministries, Inc.) that help prostituted individuals to get out of the flesh trade. Nevertheless, it is not realistic to think that we can eradicate prostitution in just a short span of time since it has already rooted deep into the system of our society. Or perhaps it may not even realistic to think that it can be totally eradicated. Even Christianity or the Church knows that it is a problem with no “one size fits all” solution. It is a problem that needs special care and attention, effort, time, money, determination, faith, and grace.                                                     

The Role of the Church

So, where can the church be in the picture now? What do we do to help those people in the flesh trade get out of their unethical and immoral way of living? Do we even care to reach out to them?

We have seen in Jesus’ ministry how He treated people whom the community labelled as “sinners” such as the tax collectors, prostitutes, and adulterers. He did not condemn them but advised them to “go and sin no more” (John 8:11). He dined with them and took time to minister to them (Matt. 9:10-13); an act which the Pharisees considered as improper so they were resentful seeing Jesus spending time with people whom they condemn as “sinners.” But Jesus rebuked them and told them, "It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick” (Matt. 9:12).

Prostitution cannot be stopped overnight but it is surely not a helpless, hopeless case. Jesus Himself expressed great hope in sinners and prostitutes being saved when He said:   

“Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him; but the tax collectors and prostitutes did believe him; and you, seeing this, did not even feel remorse afterward so as to believe him” (Matt. 21:31-32).

One small step of reaching out to them may make a great change in their lives and ours. So, let's get involved. How? Let us ask the Lord to open up avenues where we can minister to people in the commercial sex industry. But the questions are: Are we willing to get out of our comfort zones into the streets? Are we willing to welcome them in our churches? Are we comfortable having them in our worship services? If not, then we should start praying for ourselves first; that we will stop acting like the Pharisees and start imitating what Jesus did - reach out to the "sinners" with love and compassion - which may mean going an extra mile if we are really determined to take them out from darkness into the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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          1 Sol. F. Juvida, “Philippines - Children: Scourge of Child Prostitution,” IPS, 12 October 1997, in Philippine Commission on Women: National Machinery for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, Anti-Prostitution Bill, http://pcw.gov.ph/anti-prostitution-bill (accessed July 26, 2013).

          2 Philippine Commission on Women: National Machinery for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, Prostitution Bill, http://pcw.gov.ph/anti-prostitution-bill (accessed July 26, 2013).

          3 YouTube, Prostitution in the Philippines: Finding a Way Out, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqE7g-sOAb4 (accessed July 26, 2013).

     4 R. Barri Flowers, Prostitution in the Digital Age: Selling Sex From the Suite to the Street (Santa Barbara, Calif: Praeger, 2011), eBook Collection (EBSCOhost), EBSCOhost (accessed July 19, 2013).

          5 YouTube, Prostitution in the Philippines: Finding a Way Out, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqE7g-sOAb4 (accessed July 26, 2013).

Contraception

by Abbas Ali 

Contraception is a social issue because it is practiced everywhere in the world. I researched on this issue based on different religions how much it is appreciated by the religions.   

 Islamic view[1]

 Muslims strive to build strong family and community bonds, and welcome children as a gift from Allah. Marriage is encouraged, and raising children is one of the main purposes of marriage in Islam. Few Muslims choose to remain child-free by choice, but many prefer to plan their families through the use of contraception. The Quran does not specifically refer to contraception or family planning. In verses forbidding infanticide, the Quran warns Muslims, “Do not kill your children for fear of want; We provide sustenance for them and for you” (6:151, 17:31). Some Muslims have interpreted this as a prohibition against contraception as well, but this is not a widely accepted view.

            Some early forms of birth control were practiced during the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and he did not object to their appropriate use – such as to benefit the family or the mother’s health, or to delay pregnancy for a certain period of time. This verse serves as a reminder, though, that Allah takes care of our needs and we should not hesitate to bring children into the world out of fear or for selfish reasons. We must also remember that no method of birth control is 100% effective; Allah is the Creator, and if Allah wants a couple to have a child, we should accept it as His will.

Biblical View[2]

Two parts of the Bible are often quoted to show God's disapproval of birth control:

·        First, God commanded his people to "Be fruitful and multiply," and contraception is seen as specifically flouting this instruction.

·        Second, Onan was killed by God for "spilling his seed," which is often taken as divine condemnation of coitus interruptus.

The first of these examples is normally rebutted by demonstrating that contraception has not prevented human beings from being fruitful and multiplying.

There are at least two interpretations of the second example:

·        God may have been angry with Onan for having sex for a purpose other than having children

·        this interpretation supports the idea that contraception is morally wrong

·        it also supports the idea that there is only one kind of morally good sexual act: sex between a man and a woman who are married and who are having sex to produce children

·        God may not have been angry with Onan for preventing conception but for failing to honour a commandment to produce a child with his dead brother's wife

·        but this interpretation has no application to modern cultures or morality

·        the act that Jewish law required Onan to perform would nowadays be regarded as rape, since the widow's consent was not required - and this makes the story a very dubious foundation for moral argument.

Scripture in favour of contraception: The Bible never explicitly approves of contraception. However, there are a number of passages where the Bible appears to accept that sex should be enjoyed for other reasons than the production of children, and some people argue that this implies that no wrong is done if a couple have sex with the intention of not having children.

Genesis 1:27-28 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it".
And thus, having established marriage, God gives them their primary directive, “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it!” It is clear, the God loves human life, and is eager to see this first couple not merely replace themselves, but to multiply, yes, to fill the whole earth. God is love, and seeks to share his love and diffuse it far and wide. God loves life, especially human life. Here then is a great testimony of the sacredness in the beauty of human life, in the God’s joy at the existence of every human person, and his eagerness to see human life growing and prospering. 
Exodus 23:25-26 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.
Psalm 127:3-5 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. 
Psalm 128:1-4 Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in obedience to him. You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours. Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the Lord.

My Opinion: As a former Muslim I do not support the contraception because the Qur'an does not support it. As a believer I cannot support or practice the contraception because it is absolutely against God's will.
How about you: Do you support the contraception? Why or why not?
  

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               [1] http://islam.about.com/od/marriage/p/Contraception-In-Islam.htm.

               [2] www.bbc.co.uk/.../christianity/christianethics/contraception_1.shtml & www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3009468/posts.