Into The Gray We Follow The Crucified, Not The Crucifier.
Oct 11, 2026
A searching look at Christian opposition to the death penalty, from the early church’s rejection of state violence to the ways imperial power reshaped theology. The conversation explores public executions, lynching, livestreamed punishment, and the spectacle of authoritarian power. It closes by turning toward mercy, prison solidarity, resurrection, and a faith committed to abundant life.
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Idaho Prioritized An Execution Bunker
- Idaho made firing squads its primary execution method while spending more than $1 million on the required facility.
- Ben Cremer contrasted that spending with more than 40,000 Idahoans losing health care and SNAP benefits.
Christian Support For Livestreamed Killing
- Ben Cremer distinguishes debating capital punishment from endorsing a livestreamed execution.
- He sees public approval from Christians as evidence that political loyalty can override Jesus’ teachings about human dignity.
The Early Church Rejected State Violence
- Most Christians in the first three centuries opposed executions, warfare, and violence against enemies.
- They grounded that stance in enemy-love, refusing retaliation, and treating guilty people as bearers of sacred human worth.
