The death penalty is consistent with Old Testament Biblical teaching, and suggests that God created the death penalty. In total, the Old Testament specifies 36 capital offences including crimes such as idolatry, magic and blasphemy, as well as murder.

What does Scripture say about the death penalty?

In the Hebrew Bible, Exodus 21:12 states that “whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.” In Matthew's Gospel, Jesus, however, rejects the notion of retribution when he says “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

What does Christianity teach about the death penalty?

Some Christians argue that capital punishment helps to maintain order and protection in society. They would say this because: The Bible sets down the death penalty for some crimes, so it must be acceptable to God. This is often seen as retribution .