Writer says death penalty is biblical, but Jesus says turn other cheek

I read the letter from W.B. Honeycutt on Nov. 3 where he states, “Those who oppose the death penalty probably have never observed how the violent death of a loved one affects their well-being” (“Keep the death penalty”).

Mr. Honeycutt, do not presume to speak for me or many others who have had a loved one murdered and still oppose the death penalty. My brother Bo was killed on Sept. 29, 1984, by a man who is still in prison for his murder. I am glad that his murderer did not receive a death sentence. After my brother’s death, I had questions that needed answering and pain that needed acknowledgment. The court system did neither, but his murderer was able to help me. If he had been put to death, I would never have had the chance 20 years later to meet him and have my issues resolved.

Mr. Honeycutt says that scripture proclaims that the death penalty is biblical. I would ask him to remember the teachings of Jesus, who asks us to turn the other cheek and forgive one another for our transgressions. That is truly biblical behavior.

This story was originally published November 17, 2016 at 8:39 PM with the headline "Writer says death penalty is biblical, but Jesus says turn other cheek."