Mentor/s
Professor Brian E. Stiltner
Participation Type
Paper Talk
Abstract
In 2018, Pope Francis updated the Catechism of the Catholic Church to say that the death penalty is “inadmissible”(2018). His action-cheered by progressive Catholics and by human rights activists regardless of religion, but chided or outright rejected by Catholic conservatives-raises the question of whether Church doctrine has been wrong for twenty centuries or if this teaching is a legitimate development of doctrine. Either way, there are thorny theological issues at stake. This essay will argue that Pope Francis’ revision of the death penalty teaching is both necessary and legitimate. The change is necessary because the key reasons for supporting the death penalty have failed-in particular, the deterrence rationale. The change is legitimate because the Pope’s move builds upon new insights into the morality of the death penalty offered by the late St. John Paul II and because the new teaching is the best modern expression of Scripture and the Church’s consistent traditions on the dignity of life and the proper use of political force.
College and Major available
College of Arts and Sciences, Theology & Religious Studies
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
5-5-2021 1:00 PM
End Day/Time
5-5-2021 4:00 PM
Prize Categories
Best Multidisciplinary Research or Collaboration, Most Scholarly Impact or Potential, Best Writing (formerly called the Writing Across the Curriculum prize; the final submission date to be considered for this award is Apr 1), Most Creative, Most Meaningful
The Necessity and Legitimacy of Pope Francis' Complete Ban of the Death Penalty
Digital Commons
In 2018, Pope Francis updated the Catechism of the Catholic Church to say that the death penalty is “inadmissible”(2018). His action-cheered by progressive Catholics and by human rights activists regardless of religion, but chided or outright rejected by Catholic conservatives-raises the question of whether Church doctrine has been wrong for twenty centuries or if this teaching is a legitimate development of doctrine. Either way, there are thorny theological issues at stake. This essay will argue that Pope Francis’ revision of the death penalty teaching is both necessary and legitimate. The change is necessary because the key reasons for supporting the death penalty have failed-in particular, the deterrence rationale. The change is legitimate because the Pope’s move builds upon new insights into the morality of the death penalty offered by the late St. John Paul II and because the new teaching is the best modern expression of Scripture and the Church’s consistent traditions on the dignity of life and the proper use of political force.
Students' Information
Student: Helen A. Payton
Major: Theology and Religious Studies
Honors student
Year of graduation: 2021