Monday, June 21, 2010

Firing Squad

Early last Friday morning, Ronnie Lee Gardner was executed by firing squad in Utah. Evidently Utah was the last state to do away with firing squads as a means of execution, going back to a Mormon theological idea that sin requires "blood atonement" for forgiveness to take place.

This is a perfect example of theology influencing behavior and even public policy. And it goes back to the earlier discussion regarding atonement, specifically penal substitutionary atonement. It is much easier to argue for such barbaric practices when one believes that God requires them.

1 comment:

James' Muse said...

I found this case extremely interesting. Especially interesting because the convict chose the firing squad over lethal injection. But what I found appalling was the length of time it took to carry out-the murders he was convicted of happened almost 30 years ago.