The news is filled this morning with Georgia’s execution of Kelly Gissendaner in direct opposition to Roman Catholic doctrine lately expressed. A letter of appeal from an archbishop was ignored yesterday asking for a stay of execution, and the Pope himself directed the U.S. Congress to abolish the death penalty. Neither of these was enough to stop justice- and thank God for that.
“The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development.
This conviction has led me, from the beginning of my ministry, to advocate at different levels for the global abolition of the death penalty. I am convinced that this way is the best, since every life is sacred, every human person is endowed with an inalienable dignity, and society can only benefit from the rehabilitation of those convicted of crimes. Recently my brother bishops here in the United States renewed their call for the abolition of the death penalty. Not only do I support them, but I also offer encouragement to all those who are convinced that a just and necessary punishment must never exclude the dimension of hope and the goal of rehabilitation.” -Excerpt from Pope Francis’ address to Congress, via Time.com
It is not in Francis’ power or authority to pardon either in this life, or in the next. It is no wonder that his appeals failed; he’s just a man. I wonder why so many would trust him with their ETERNAL forgiveness and pardon with God, when he cannot even persuade(or intimidate) Congress to do his bidding?
Why take ‘The Meanest Man in Texas’, Clyde Thompson, who murdered 4 men before being caught, and at least 3 more while in prison. In 1928 he was the youngest man to receive the death penalty, yet the Lord Jesus Christ took away his sins, and TRANSFORMED his life. God, who is the only Holy Father, overturned the judges’ and juries’ decisions in a full pardon in 1951. That’s what a Bible and faith in Christ can do- I’ll take that over Pope Francis any day of the week!
Then there is the more modern story of Harold Morris, who finds himself on death row in the Georgia State Penitentiary, naked, destitute, alone, staring at the word ‘HELP’ desperately carved on the concrete wall. Threatened, betrayed, and loathing himself, Harold Morris needed Somebody to intercede on his behalf. The first person who ever told him about Jesus got a handful of toilet water thrown in his face. I wonder how the pious papa would react to THAT one? Yet the grace of Jesus Christ prevailed, and the Judge of all the earth set him free after 9 years in prison, and 3 years later he received a full pardon, with all rights and privileges restored in 1981. He was truly ‘Twice Pardoned’.
In the Bible you will find that religious systems are some of the most merciless killing machines. It starts with religion making the government out to be the bad guy. After Herod killed John the Baptist, Christ questioned the Pharisees on the legitimacy of his ministry.
“And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell.” (Mark 11:33)
They wouldn’t open their mouth one way or the other.
When Jesus’ time was fulfilled, it was the religious crowd that swayed the populace to butcher him. That is the progression of today; killings are happening around the world of innocents (abortion, Muslim Jihad), and where there is not outright enabling, there is at least silence in the ranks of papacy.
“But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas unto them.” (Mark 15:11)
The next time these religious hypocrites show their true colors, we find them not only agreeing, not only persuading, but with the rocks in their hands stoning Stephen for preaching to them. And there, holding the coats of the mob was the model child of ‘the system:’
“And Saul was consenting unto his death.” (Acts 8:1)
Religion to help with the reform of justice? No, thanks, I’ll take the Jesus that changed Clyde Thompson, the Bible that transformed Harold Morris, the Lord that pardoned Saul of Tarsus- and the Pope can take a flying leap.
Spiritual Reload 