When the death penalty is brought up, Conservatives like to quote Exodus 21:24, “An Eye for an Eye, and a Tooth for a Tooth”. The same is found in Hammurabi’s Code, the earliest written code of laws from Ancient Babylon, “If a man knocks the teeth out of another man, his own teeth will be knocked out”. It seems like this is the oldest form of justice.
I’m more concerned about the Biblical quote. The good Christian Conservative will have no problem quoting Exodus up there to support the death penalty (while also telling me that all life is sacred and created in the image of God, and that is why abortion is wrong…).
But what about “But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” Matthew 5:39, i.e. “Turn the other cheek”? I’m not just trying to find a random verse; this is in direct response to “an eye for an eye” (Matthew 5:38).
To me, a Christian who quotes “an eye for an eye” is like someone claiming segregation is legal because of Plessy v. Ferguson, and completely ignoring Brown v. Board of Education.
Gee, it’s like people quote the Bible for when it suits them, but then ignore the parts they disagree with.
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