A few days ago, I had a discussion with someone about the death penalty. I explained to him that I was not in favor of the death penalty because I believe in redemption. It was said that on the occasion of the abolition of the death penalty in France, one of the questions that seemed to trouble President Mitterrand was the Old Testament's position in favor of the death penalty. It is true that the Old Testament demands a life in exchange for a life, but is it not true that the coming of Christ transforms the situation? Through Christ's redemption, redemption, and transformation become possible for all men. The worst of beings can be changed by the power of God.
Certainly, but aren't there degrees of horror, some might ask? Moreover, another question arises: how can we ensure that justice is truly done, especially in situations of war, political oppression, and so on, without demanding a life in exchange for a life? The answer is not simple. South Africa has chosen the path of reconciliation instead of punishment, but the wounds remain deep. Liberia, in turn, faces a major challenge. The civil war there was particularly long and bloody, the scene of murder, witchcraft, cannibalism, and so on. Peace has returned, and society is faced with the question of what to do with the perpetrators of the atrocious acts that characterized this war. A Truth and Reconciliation Commission has been established, and several former warlords have testified.
Should we forgive them and let them go free, or Should we forgive them but still demand punishment so that justice can be done? Today, many of these former guerrillas claim to have had a Christian conversion experience and to have repented. Joshua Milton Blahyi was one of these warlords. He was known as the 'bare butt' general because he used to fight naked to terrify his opponents. Ordained a traditional priest at the age of 11, he admits to having participated on several occasions in human sacrifices of young children and eating their hearts with others to acquire spiritual power to win his battles. He stopped fighting in 1996 after he allegedly had an encounter with Jesus who appeared to him.
Today, he is a pastor, preaching in the streets; and his church includes many converted veterans, mostly young men whom he is trying to rehabilitate. He encourages other former warlords to publicly confess their actions. For now, the government has not yet decided between forgiveness and punishment. The consensus seems to favor forgiveness for fear of rekindling tensions and triggering a new war in a still fragile country. Joshua Milton Blayi, for his part, says he is ready to accept anything: forgiveness, punishment, and even the death penalty.
What do you think?
Cannibalism, child sacrifice, torture… words that inspire disgust or tears. I am always horrified by the wickedness of Man when I read or hear the news. The Bible says that God also cannot bear these atrocities and that despite everything he loves us. This love is beyond my understanding. While I want to cry “justice”, “revenge”, for a child rapist and a serial executioner, Jesus looks at these men with compassion and even grants them forgiveness if they repent. I am overwhelmed by His love!