Viti

I am an atheist, I support the death penalty under certain circumstances (serial killers for the most part) because I do not believe they can be rehabilitated and are too dangerous to be allowed amongst other people.

It is irrelevant to me who else supports it or why...it is not analogous to supporting Pat Robertson.

Jehanne

One could make the same argument about slavery, I suppose (that is, it is justifiable under certain circumstances), about anything for that matter. (I believe that Hume was correct in this regard.) Crime is a social construct, which means that one century’s heretic is another century’s saint. Getting back on track, though, the US constitution does not mandate capital punishment, but only allows it. Given what Science’s understanding of the mind/body connection and the improbability of an afterlife, is executing someone “cruel and unusual�? punishment under the 8th Amendment? Now, the death penalty is certainly not unusual, but is it cruel?

Viti

I wasn't making an argument for the detah penalty, I was responding to your assertion that atheists supporting the death penalty is the same as an atheist supporting Pat Robertson. Atheists can and do support the death penalty, for individual reasons.

Right, and some states do not do executions

I, personally, do not consider it cruel and unusual. They are not tortured or caused to suffer (cruel), or killed by fire ants or wild dogs or anything off the wall like that (unusual).

And I fail to see why "science's understanding of the mind/body connection" has to do with anything.

Jehanne

Ever hear of the "Priest of the Gallows"? His name was St. Joseph Cafasso, and he made hangings "easy". In the US, modern executions are accompanied by Bibles, crucifixes, ministers, Eucharist ceremonies, etc. The message is, "We're really not killing a person here but are simply 'releasing' his/her spirit to the Creator." As far as people suffering, yes, they do suffer:

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/arti...scid=8&did=245

Tom Sawyer

I don't think the two things are the same at all. I'm also a liberal, atheist Canadian who supports the death penalty (in some cases). Some crimes are just bad enough that you should kill the person for committing them.

Sure, it's a horrible thing to do to a person, but some people deserve it and, in light of what they did, are not deserving of our empathy.

Viti

Evidence that is always the case? Perhaps if the person being executed has asked for spiritual guidance or last rights, but I don't think it's a given in all cases.
Can you show me where this is written in any state laws or codes?
Can you point me to whatever is on that link that indicates suffering?

Jehanne

In some execution chambers, a cross/crucifix is already on the wall. Other execution chambers have Bibles in them.

It's not (of course!) But, prosecutors, prison guards, executioners, and proponents of capital punishment often make such statements. I am not aware of any atheists who are actively promoting and lobbying for executions, but there are plenty of Christians who are!

My mistake. Try this:

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/arti...scid=8&did=479

Viti

Evidence? Which states execution chmabers include such trappings?

So what? Why the religious right promotes the death penalty has nothing to do with my position on it.




http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/arti...scid=8&did=479[/QUOTE]

Um, still looks like death is often quick and painless, especially today as most states offer lethal injection if the condemend wishes. Still no evidence of widespread suffering.

Jehanne

I have seen video myself of this...sorry that I cannot provide more information at this time.

Fine, but most humanists are opposed to it (see a poll that I conducted several months ago -- 3 to 1 against.) Again, are you actively lobbying for it?

Not really:

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/arti...d=1417&scid=64

Reign_Cryogen

What, exactly, is the point of life imprisonment?