A Case for Execution by Hanging

13 Dec., 2019

It is believed by many moderns that hanging is a “cruel and unusual” punishment.   Even a quick, painless execution is deemed unconscionable by many who presume to know a justice above and beyond that which is dictated by the Creator.  But to argue with the fool – he who believes in neither a Creator nor his bona fide Law – is vanity, perhaps.  But, argue we must if we have any hope for establishing justice in this world.  (Yes, we shall never arrive at perfect justice, just as we shall never personally achieve perfection, but we press on, ever pursuing that goal.  That is our Christian and human mission by Divine design.)  

Hanging as an Influence for Deterrence

Part of God’s plan in dealing out justice in THIS world isto provide a deterrent forcriminally-oriented folks.  Thatdeterrent, despite the objection that it does not work for the veryhard-hearted, does work for the average sinner. Deterring evil-doers from carrying out all their evil inclinations and intentions is a good thing.  And since capital punishment arguable servesas a deterrent as well as just punishment for capital crimes, it is best – andmost just – to re-establish and apply this effective remedy for misbehavior.

Hanging as a Merciful Option For Carrying Out Justice For Capital Crimes

Hanging, especially publically carried out, is – one mayimagine – a most effective means to instruct and influence citizens to takestock of themselves and strive for the maintenance of good character andbehavior.  It is merciful from theperspective of another Judgment to come. The tortuous aspects of hanging theunrepentant serve to drive the hard-hearted to repentance.  The hanged one is made to focuswhole-heartedly upon his impending departure from this life and the threateningdooms of another Judgment to come.  Suchalbeit swift contemplations may well lead to a concentrated turn from sin tothe pursuit of reconciliation with the ultimate Judge.  Confession and forgiveness may well occur inthe moment!  Death, then, by hanging, far from“barbaric,” is a legitimate, even arguably the preferred means ofcarrying out justice for capital crimes.

The Scriptures do not mandate the means of execution even though they surely identify capital crimeswhich merit the death penalty.  Theprinciple of death by hanging finds support, then, as a means of facilitatingand encouraging repentance in the last, precious moments before justice iscarried out and the convict is dispatched forever.