The Death Penalty on Trial: Taking a Life for a Life Taken

by Ron Gleason

This book rigorously examines the controversy over the death penalty with clarity and cogency. After Dr. Ron Gleason lays a thorough groundwork in history and law, he defines ethics philosophically, and then presents the Biblical mandate. For the secular reader, he illustrates the positions of leading thinkers on both sides of the issue and examines their arguments down to the foundational premises. For Christians–both for and against capital punishment, Dr. Gleason identifies the governing Scriptures and illustrates them with commentary from the confessional statements of the historic Reformed church and some of the foremost voices in the church today. Proponents on both sides will find the issues in focus and the arguments framed for more meaningful discussion. But as he homes in on the heart of the matter, the reader may find himself drawn persuasively to Gleason’s conclusion.

145 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2009

Reviews

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid introduction to the Biblical and historical reasons for the death penalty. The final section addresses some objections from secular people and from Christians. A lot more could be said and the book could be longer and deeper. But if you are looking for a solid outline of the Christian case for the death penalty this is a good place to start.

[Felipe Sabino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essencial.