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Capital Punisment Karl Marx

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Capital Punisment Karl Marx
L. Chris Ward #910047319 Intro to Philosophy

Capital Punishment

Karl Marx’s “Critique on Capitalism” touches on both sides of the issue and he goes into great depth by explaining the views from a Biblical stance to actual research studies conducted on the views of the black and white races. Marx explains, “Research has showed that race is an important predictor of one’s attitude toward capital punishment. Whites support the death penalty much more strongly than blacks.” As an opponent of capital punishment my views fall into to place with the findings of Marx’s studies. Myself, being a black Christian I strongly disagree with the death penalty but at the same time I understand the intentions of the arguments Marx depicts although I still strongly disagree. I will give a few samples to support my viewpoint on the issue of capital punishment to better to clarify and will do so by indicating various arguments Marx discusses. First, I will discuss the Biblical witness, then utilitarian argument, and last retribution and justice.
First, Marx writes, “When confronted with an ethical question, Christians consider the biblical witness as a guide to making a decision.” The Bible has always been referenced as the book of life and whenever I had a situation arise that called for me to make a life effecting decision I was referred to a specific section that would guide me in the right direction. When it comes to capital punishment I feel the Bible does not need to be referenced for one to be righteous and do what is right. According to Marx, “…the Bible does have a great deal to say about capital punishment.” In the modern era, society is faced with many different religions and beliefs, which has created new views and interpretation but still Marx points out, “Both advocates and opponents of the death penalty find support for their beliefs in the Bible.” Although, in the New and Old Testament God does impose the death penalty. I do not support the

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