Saturday Watchdog: Justice Or Entertainment?

President Trump announced that the December 3 firing-squad execution of convicted Fort Hood murderer Nidal Hasan will not be livestreamed, reversing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s proposal. Catholic bishops, evangelical leaders and other religious groups had criticized the broadcast plan.

A new poll found that 74% of white evangelicals and even larger shares of several other religious groups opposed the livestream. The execution itself remains scheduled.
Religion News Service coverage

Scripture recognizes government authority to punish wrongdoing (Romans 13:4). But turning someone’s death into a public spectacle raises a different moral question.

So What?

Christians may disagree about capital punishment, but we should at least consider whether broadcasting an execution honors justice or simply satisfies an appetite for vengeance.

Religious opposition helped shape a consequential government decision, demonstrating that Christians can influence public policy even when they disagree on underlying doctrine.

Rick Tryon

Website | + posts

Child of God, husband, father, grandfather, rabblerouser, songwriter, pot stirrer, waiting for the King.

Bible Rebel

Curious Fearless Faith