The Wrong Kind of Deterrence

Anti-death penalty groups argue that capital punishment does not prevent further crimes. They are wrong. The Bible says the death penalty is a strong deterrent (Deut. 13:6-11; Ecc. 8:11; Rom. 13:4). If anyone thinks fear of reprisal doesn’t work, then let him consider the effect of fear in a different context: the fear of being punished for doing good. Fear of punishment, whether physical or verbal, keeps a lot of people from doing what is right! Hollywood and the news media belittle and criticize any group that claims to believe in Christ and the Bible. But movie makers and newscasters will not dare mock the religion of Islam. Why is there a double standard? Intimidation works! Network executives don’t want to incur the wrath of Muslims. Politicians are reluctant to tell the truth about this dangerous religion because they are paralyzed by the fear of Muslim retaliations. But Muslim terrorism…