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Back to Choose LifePastoral Letter - Study GuideChoose Life: Reflections on the Death PenaltyPrepared by: Sister Mary Kevan Seibert, SND First Meeting Before the meeting read Choose Life, pages (old #1-3) Opening Prayer composed by a member of the group Assessment of "where we are": All share in regard to previous experiences which have influenced their thinking about use of the death penalty. The Bishops speak: In this section of the pastoral, the Bishops give the context for their teaching - the profound value and dignity of the human person - and the bottom line of their message: the death penalty should be abolished. They then argue against four theoretical justifications for the death penalty: deterrence, retribution, rehabilitation and the protection of society. Our Response: Discuss 1. Is it possible to protect society and never use capital punishment? What changes in our present system would this entail? 2. Do you agree that in order for a punishment to be a deterrent it must be swift, sure and certain? Why or why not? 3. Do you think the state’s posture in regard to murderers should be punishment or rehabilitation? Why? Should this be an either/or question? What options remain if rehabilitation fails? The Scripture Speaks: Read Matthew 6:7-15 and discuss its implications for this topic. Our Response in Prayer and Action: After a few minutes of silence offer intercessions from the group such as:
What concrete actions can we take to help make that for which we prayed become reality? Closing Prayer by a member of the group. Second Meeting Before the meeting read page (old #4) of the pastoral Prayer Assessment of "where we are": All share reflections on the previous week’s discussion and the effect it has had on their thinking. The Bishops Speak: In this section of the pastoral, the bishops discuss five practical arguments against the death penalty: there may be mistakes; it is cruel and unusual punishment; it causes anguish; it caters to the dark side of human nature; and it is discriminating and unfair. Our Response: Discuss
The Scripture Speaks: Read Matthew 18:23-35 and discuss its implications for this topic. Our Response in Prayer and Action: After a few minutes of silence offer intercessions from the group such as:
What concrete actions can we take to help make that for which we prayed become reality? Closing Prayer by a member of the group. Third Meeting Before the meeting read pages (old #5-6) of the pastoral Prayer Assessment of "where we are": All share reflections on the previous week’s discussion and the effect it has had on their thinking. The Bishops Speak: In this section of the pastoral, the bishops define three Gospel values which they believe to be incompatible with the death penalty: Jesus forgave and called others to forgiveness; God’s love for everyone is boundless regardless of human merit or worth; and our relationship with others is a reflection of our relationship with God. Our Response: Discuss 1. Are the bishops suggesting that a criminal should be treated just as if she never had committed a crime? What exactly are the bishops saying?
The Scripture Speaks: Read Matthew 18:12-22 and 25:31-46 and discuss the implications for this topic. Our Response in Prayer and Action: After a few minutes of silence offer intercessions from the group such as:
What concrete actions can we take to help make that for which we prayed become reality? Closing Prayer by a member of the group. Fourth Meeting Before the meeting read pages (old #7-13) of the pastoral Prayer Assessment of "where we are": All share reflections on the previous week’s discussion and the effect it has had on their thinking. The Bishops Speak: In this section of the pastoral, the bishops, through a historic perspective, trace a growth process in the Church’s attitude toward capital punishment. They ground their teaching against the use of the death penalty in the Church’s twentieth century understanding of the dignity of the human person. Our Response: Discuss
4. What role should prayer have in our examination of this issue? The Scripture Speaks: Read Matthew 5:38-48 and discuss the implications for this topic. Our Response in Prayer and Action: After a few minutes of silence offer intercessions from the group such as:
What concrete actions can we take to help make that for which we prayed become reality? Closing Prayer by a member of the group.
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