The Thomistic Institute Catholicism and Capital Punishment Revisited | Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P.
Nov 8, 2024
In this enlightening discussion, Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P., an Affiliate Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Dallas, delves into the complexities of capital punishment from a Catholic perspective. She explores John Paul II's encyclical, emphasizing evolving views on non-violence and moral opposition. Key topics include theological insights on human dignity, historical tensions within the Church regarding execution, and the importance of advocating for life-affirming alternatives. Gardner’s expertise sheds light on a nuanced debate that resonates with contemporary ethical concerns.
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Hopeful Opposition to Death Penalty
- John Paul II sees growing opposition to the death penalty as a hopeful sign within societies dominated by a culture of death.
- This opposition reflects an evangelical perspective, not just a secular or political rejection.
Beccaria's Contractual Argument
- Cesare Beccaria argued against the death penalty from a secular, contractual perspective, denying that society has the right to take life.
- His reasoning is based on the social contract and the claim that individuals cannot give away their right to life.
Divine Origin of Authority
- The Christian understanding grounds political authority in divine origin, contrasting with Enlightenment social contract theory.
- This divine authority includes legitimate power over life and death, supporting the state's right to capital punishment.