There has been a lot of conversation (and grief) around the recent execution of Georgia death row inmate, Troy Davis. Davis’s case seems to exemplify exactly the kinds of cases that has brought the death penalty under scrutiny. When reading through the details, reasonable doubt seems to be less important than it once did. The consequence of getting something like this wrong- which has been proven to happen far too often before- are irreversible. There is no going back, thus the need to be as absolutely sure as possible. Sadly, courts and systems of “justice” seem more motivated by political ends than genuine justice.
The death penalty has become far more real for me over the last year. I have started to correspond with two death row inmates in two different states. What distinquishes these conversations for me is the content of correspondence. While their cases come up, the main focus of our conversations center on personal interests, family, sports and books. What makes this so significant is that these men are no longer simply “death row inmates”. They are friends, humanized by the mundane, everyday things that highlight our shared humanity.
What further makes these friendships unique are the particular cases. While one is admittedly guilty of the heinous murder of two innocent youth, the other- like Davis- maintains his innocence. Having looked at the case myself (admittedly in the limited way of an amateur), I believe he is innocent. Yet, also like Davis, he potentially faces a state execution in the coming months. These two friends could not be more different, yet both are just that- friends.
I am opposed to the death penalty. While I am especially concerned with the flaws in the system that all too often send innocent people to their deaths, it goes beyond that. I believe one of my friends is innocent and know that the other is guilty, I equally oppose their executions. Let me be clear- I do not deny that they deserve execution. The problem is that when we measure this issue against what a person deserves, we expose ourselves to the same fate before God. While I will not get into the theological reasons for my convictions here (that deserves more time & space), I believe the death penalty is absolutely incompatible with following Christ.
It is far easier, not to mention socially acceptable, to opposed the execution of men like Davis, whose guilt is far from clear. As Christians, though, we are not given that kind of freedom. Jesus calls us to a radical, all-inclusive, offensive grace and love- a grace and love without which we would be no less guilty than the vilest criminal. So, while I applaud the many Christian voices who have risen in response to Davis’s unjust execution, I ask that we go further. The Christian community needs to be as indignant and passionate about every execution, regardless of guilt.
What will that mean for you?
