An admitted, drug-crazed, pick-ax killer of two people and former teenage
prostitute, who was born again in prison and became a model prisoner, Karla
Faye Tucker, age 38, was executed at the Huntsville, Texas penitentiary,
February 4, 1998, for her heinous crimes.
The first woman to be executed in America since 1984, and the first
one in Texas since the Civil War, Karla Faye captured the attention of
the news media and captivated the hearts of millions of Americans during
the last few weeks of her life.
She never denied that she committed the murders. Having run the gamut
of the legal process over a fifteen-year period, she ran out of time on
February 4 when Texas Governor George Bush failed to grant either a stay
of execution or a commutation of her sentence to life imprisonment.
If one listened to several TV interviews which she did in January,
it would have been hard for that person not to empathize with her and to
be caught up in the emotions of her plea for life. She was obviously a
changed person. Her testimony for Christ was clear and compelling.
Amnesty International, which categorically opposes all capital punishment,
lobbied hard on her behalf. Charismatic TV evangelist Pat Robertson made
repeated emotional appeals on her behalf. The Roman Catholic pope issued
a formal statement, which he does routinely on high-profile capital punishment
cases. A spokesman for the North American Catholic Seminary said, "Capital
punishment is outmoded and inhumane." The brother of one of the murder
victims, himself a Christian, went on television twenty-four hours before
the execution to express his desire for clemency. Jerry Falwell appeared
on MSNBC three hours prior to execution, making clear his belief in capital
punishment, yet at the same time requesting the Texas governor to show
mercy.
The day of the execution a crowd of about five hundred people conducted
demonstrations outside the Huntsville facility. Some hoped to stop the
event, while others were cheering to get it done. There was reportedly
a circus-like atmosphere outside the prison.
WHAT'S THE ISSUE?
What is the issue here, and why did the nation rivet itself upon the
plight of Karla Faye Tucker?
(1) The media, by and large, is a mouthpiece for whatever liberal vendetta
is handy, and many media personalities are strongly opposed to the death
penalty. So this case in which a woman was facing the executioner was tailor-made
for them. It gave impetus to their cause.
(2) In Karla Faye Tucker's case, she was a woman and a born-again Christian.
The media saw this as a double-banded opportunity to grind their axe.
(3) If they don't execute her because she is female, then it proves
that capital punishment is administered unfairly. If they do execute her,
it may prove that she was denied clemency (without regard to her legal
rights) just to prove "all is fair in love, war and in executions."
(4) Many Christians came to her defense simply because she gave such
a sweet, stirring testimony of her salvation and because of the straight
walk she had in prison over the past fourteen years.
The media, of course, loved seeing Christians appeal for mercy on behalf
of a pickax murderer.
(5) Her conversion and apparent rehabilitation (we would say transformation)
made it appear that she was a truly changed person and a prime candidate
for a commutation to a life sentence. After all, if she was no longer a
threat to society, why execute her?
Do all of these issues really matter? Was the state of Texas right
or wrong in proceeding with the execution of Karla Faye? As Christians,
should we support or oppose capital punishment?
WAS IT RIGHT TO EXECUTE KARLA FAYE TUCKER?
Well, let's review the heart and core of the case:
(1) Karla Faye Tucker was a confessed pickax murderer of two people.
She never denied that she was guilty. It was a heinous crime in which two
people's lives were snuffed out ruthlessly and without mercy. She was not
a petty thief; she was a murderer.
(2) Because they do have a death-penalty provision for capital crimes,
the state of Texas was on target legally and constitutionally to do exactly
what they did. Most people who are executed are men because most capital
crimes are committed by men. But women do also commit such crimes. When
they do, they are subject to the same provision of the law as are the men.
(3) Texas has executed dozens of men, but prior to Karla Faye there
was only one other woman who had been executed.
The fact that Karla Faye Tucker was female should not have had, and
apparently did not have, any bearing upon her status. To give mercy to
a murderer based upon the gender of the killer would open a Pandora's box
of difficulties.
(4) But Karla Faye was a Christian! For fourteen years she had given
daily evidence of being genuine. Everybody who knew her knew her to be
a sweet-spirited Christian. Her walk (even in prison) matched her talk.
She married the prison chaplain. She was not only a model prisoner but
a Christian whose life reflected Christ in glowing fashion.
After all, some say the purpose of punishment is rehabilitation. This
woman clearly was a changed person, so why execute her? Why was Governor
Bush of Texas so stubborn? Why would not the courts give some leniency
to her?
Well, very simply, the fact that Karla Faye Tucker was a Chris-tian
had absolutely nothing to do with her death-row status and ultimate execution.
Indeed, Governor Bush was right! The state of Texas was right. Karla was
executed on February 4, and rightly so.
Now this may at first seem to be harsh, vindictive, inhuman and without
compassion. I've heard all those things said, and more. But let me explain
myself and my judgments on this.
I. CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS A BIBLE TEACHING
"Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in
the image of God made he man."-Gen. 9:6.
"He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death."-Exod.
21:12.
"But if any man hate his neighbour, and lie in wait for him, and rise
up against him, and smite him mortally that he die, and fleeth into one
of these cities: "Then the elders of his city shall send and fetch him
thence, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he
may die."-Deut. 19:11,12.
"A man that doeth violence to the blood of any person shall flee to
the pit; let no man stay him."-Prov. 28:17.
For Christians the rightness or wrongness of capital punishment lies
not in what's popular or unpopular. The issue cannot be decided based on
what groups stand where. The one criterion which is both infallible and
instructive is the Bible. What does the Bible teach?
From the earliest annals of history (Gen. 9), God had established the
principle and the practice of capital punishment. It is very clearly taught
in these listed passages.
Sometimes critics of capital punishment will try to diminish the impact
of these verses by saying, "Well, that was the Old Testament." True enough-but
consider carefully.
Genesis 9 predates the Law by hundreds of years. The Lord gave the
earliest human societies the authority to deal strongly with capital crimes.
Such authority was given to protect life and to promote the proper
respect for life: " for in the image of God made he man" (Gen. 9:6). In
other words, the right to execute the murderer will establish the right
perspective about the value of everybody's life.
God respects life. He gives it to us. He looks with disfavor upon anyone
who is so mindless as to kill someone else purposely. Therefore, if a person
knows his own life will be jeopardized if he kills someone else, there's
going to be a whole lot less violence.
It's true that the statements in Exodus and Deuteronomy should be viewed
as an expression of law. But remember, it is God's law. What He initiated
in Genesis 9, He incorporated into the Law (Exod. 21 and Deut. 19). Those
provisions of the Law have never been rescinded or amended. There is nothing
in all of Scripture which even remotely suggests that the mind of God has
been altered on this.
II. THE NEW TESTAMENT DOES NOT NEGATE CAPITAL PUNISHMENT BUT INSTEAD
COMMENDS IT
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no
power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God." Whosoever therefore
resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist
shall receive to themselves damnation." For rulers are not a terror to
good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power?
do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:"For he is
the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil,
be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister
of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil."Wherefore
ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake."For
for this cause pay ye tribute also: For they are God's ministers, attending
continually upon this very thing."Render therefore to all their dues: tribute
to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour
to whom honour."-Rom. 13:1-7.
Note specifically verse 3: "rulers are a terror to the evil." Does
that not suggest that our civil authorities do have the right to act strongly
against those who perpetrate evil deeds?
The clincher is verse 4: "But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid;
for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a
revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Government is here
given authority to bear "the sword," to be the "revenger," and "to execute
wrath upon him that doeth evil." This is a full endorsement of government's
authority to deal forcefully with those who become a threat within human
society.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT?
All right, let's consider the Sermon on the Mount. I have just now
finished reading the entire three chapters of Matthew 5 through 7 to ascertain
what possible bearing it might have on the capital punishment deliberations.
First, I cannot find anything there which suggests we should not have
capital punishment. In fact, the only passages which might even remotely
be considered are as follows:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am
not come to destroy, but to fulfil."For verily I say unto you, Till heaven
and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law,
till all be fulfilled."-Matt. 5:17,18.
The moral requirements of the Law have never changed. Idolatry, lying,
stealing, murder, etc., are rebellion against divinely appointed authority,
and as such they are always wrong. Dr. Rice says (John R. Rice Reference
Bible, p. 1008): "There are some parts of the Law to which we no
longer are in bondage, since the things they represented have been fulfilled
in Christ. Among these are circumcision, restricted diet, and special Sabbaths
(Col. 2:16,17)." So it is worthy of note that things in the Law related
to murder are unchanged.
"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not
kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:"But
I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause
shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother,
Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou
fool, shall be in danger of hell fire."-Matt. 5:21,22.
So, you see, killing, and even the kind of furious anger which threatens
another person, is the subject of strong penalty (even in the Sermon on
the Mount).
"But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite
thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."-Matt. 5:39.
'Turning the other cheek' is a wonderful principle for Christians to
appropriate in their dealings with others. It is a general principle to
be applied except in cases where there are other specific scriptural instructions.
Those rules of behavior in interpersonal relationships are in no way applicable
to matters of law and order, crime and justice. Since we have other specific
instructions on those matters, the general rule as here stated does not
apply, as in the case of capital punishment.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged."For with what judgment ye judge,
ye shall be judged."-Matt. 7:1,2.
These instructions on how and when to "judge" should not be applied
to criminal cases. This is teaching on interpersonal relationships among
Christians. It is unrelated to the Bible necessity for civil authorities
to deal with outlaws.
"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."-Matt. 7:12.
This wonderful verse is often referred to as the Golden Rule. It too
addressed interpersonal relationships among Christians.
If a person is contemplating a crime such as murder, then he should
consider "whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so
to them." But once a crime has been committed, the Golden Rule has been
forfeited, and society is under obligation to deal strongly with whoever
broke the rule.
So when we examine the rightness or wrongness of capital punishment,
we cannot appeal to the Sermon on the Mount and expect to find reason or
rationale for not executing criminals. To do so would twist Jesus' words
to say things He did not say or intend.
BUT WHAT ABOUT LOVE VS. LAW?
We are asked to remember the teachings of Christ which elevate love
to the highest limits of the Law.
"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind."This is the first
and great commandment."And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself."On these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets."-Matt. 22:37-40.
Indeed, it is a great passage, and it has great meaning for us. It
is the standard of Christian conduct in all matters. It is our trademark.
It is the fountain from which mercy is drawn. By its generosity we forgive
and we go on. Yes! Yes! Yes! This is true, and to this we heartily concur.
But it does not mean that justice is blind or stupid. It does not license
the degenerate outlaw to trample underfoot the innocent and unwary. It
provides no liberty for criminal activity. The commandments of love do
not supersede or override the law of justice. We do not administer justice
indiscriminately or without respect for the criminal, but when the person
commits a murder, he judges himself and puts himself in jeopardy. Society
is bound by the laws of love and justice to act responsibly in punishing
the criminal.
BUT JESUS IS THE GOD OF LOVE, NOT RETRIBUTION (THEY SAY)
I suggest you reread the Sermon on the Mount with your eye focused
for hints of retribution (see Matt. 5:22,25,26,29,30; 6:1; 7:6,13,19,20,23,26,27).
It is a shallow understanding of the Scripture that tries to pit the God
of the Old Testament against the God of the New Testament as though they
were two entirely different entities. It is a false interpretation of Scripture
which would try to isolate God the Father from God the Son. Jesus said,
"I and my Father are one" (John 10:30). They cannot be viewed separately
without distorting the truth.
"If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not."But if I do, though
ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that
the Father is in me, and I in him."-John 10:37,38.
Jesus is both love and retribution. He is able to hate sin and love
sinners at the same time. His love demands His justice. It is for that
reason that there are both a Heaven and a Hell. When His love is spurned,
His justice responds.
Consequently, the criminal should understand that his crimes within
society and against others cannot be shielded by the Saviour's love. God's
justice will be administered to establish order in society.
On one hand, the Saviour's love is forever offered (and, thankfully,
Karla Faye received His love and was saved); but she still owed a societal
debt which had to be paid. The justice of God preserves human society by
requiring payment for gross and capital offenses. It is both love and justice
that balance the equation and give us the whole picture on this matter.
WHERE DO VARIOUS GROUPS STAND ON THIS?
Most fundamental preachers and Christians believe the Bible teaches
that society has the right to execute a criminal who has committed a capital
offense. That is our position. We enthusiastically endorse it. In clean-cut
cases it should be done without regard for gender, race, politics or other
extenuating factors.
Many evangelicals also favor the death penalty, but you will find some
of them have been influenced against it.
Among liberals the overwhelming sentiment is against capital punishment;
in fact, almost all of them, whether Baptists, Metho-dist or whatever,
if they are liberal, will be against it.
The official position of the Roman Catholic Church is strongly against
capital punishment in every case and circumstance.
In political circles the Republicans are usually for it, and the Democrats
are typically against it. However, you will find a few people in each party
who do not line up with their party.
The ACLU almost always sides with the criminal and opposes the death
penalty.
The ABA announced in February of 1997 its endorsement of a "moratorium
on executions until 'critical flaws' in the capital punishment system are
repaired" (USA Today, 2/4/97). The ABA has a decidedly liberal bias in
much of its agenda, and this is a case in point.
The U.S. Justice Department opposes any such moratorium for fear it
"would harm the government's ability to crack down on terrorism" (USA Today,
2/4/97).
CHRISTIANS SHOULD TAKE A BIBLICAL STANCE
It is evident, I think, that the strongest case from Scripture is one
that is decidedly pro capital punishment. Therefore, Christians should
not hesitate to stand up in favor of the execution of those who commit
horrible crimes.
Gross crimes deserve and demand stiff sentences. Those who commit murder
forfeit their right to live themselves. Society should not be obligated
to provide the upkeep of a Ted Bundy or a Charles Manson over an extended
period of years. They should be brought to justice, tried, and when convicted,
given full appeal; and then when due process has been accomplished, the
sentence should be executed forthrightly. Preachers and other Christians
should be openly vocal and supportive of the public officials who do their
duty in carrying this out.
Respect for human life must be upheld. When anyone is so cold, cruel
and calculating as to take another person's life purposely, there is only
one sane, right and reasonable action for society. That person must be
dealt with severely. Only capital punishment adequately addresses the consequences
of such a crime.
If human life can be taken cheaply (a ten- to fifteen-year prison sentence
or less), then no one is safe anyplace anytime. The automatic implementation
of capital punishment upon those convicted of capital crimes such as murder
will indeed discourage even the thought of such things.
BUT IS IT A DETERRENT?
Well, let me ask you some questions which help to settle that in your
mind.
Does it deter your child from lying, stealing, etc., if you spank him
for so doing? For those of you who live where the fog still hasn't lifted,
the answer is yes.
Does it deter your neighbors from speeding to put up a speed limit
sign on your street? It does!
Does the fear of arrest keep some people from stealing cars? It does!
Does the threat of time in jail keep some people honest with the IRS?
Indeed!
Well, in the same light, the execution of murderers discourages many
people from committing murder. It also is a permanent deterrent for the
person who is executed. It settles it for him. He will not ever again do
it to someone else.
Capital punishment is, in our view (and I believe to all those who
have an honest heart), a major deterrent and should be employed aggressively
for specified capital offenses.
SO, SHOULD KARLA FAYE TUCKER HAVE BEEN EXECUTED?
In a word, yes! It's not easy to be consistent on this when you know
the story of her conversion and changed life. Her testimony was an inspiration,
but her legacy will have a long-lasting impact.
The message is clear and unmistakable:
Male or female? It isn't a consideration. If you commit a murder, you
cannot plead your gender and expect commutation.
But she was on drugs? She did not know what she was doing? It doesn't
matter. Drugs, alcohol or whatever, if you get "stoned" and go stone someone
else, you should be executed. Intoxication cannot justify or excuse such
heinous crimes.
But she got saved? For fourteen years she has been a sweet Christian?
Thank God! But you cannot excuse violent acts by later cleaning up your
act. Forgiveness is wonderful, and forgive we will do. But the debt to
society must still be paid.
You cannot cancel the punishment for murder because the murderer has
"changed." The crime is done, and the lives of the two murdered people
cannot be restored. The merits of capital punishment must not be assessed
on the current character of the person but on the basis of the crimes he/she
committed.
With Karla Faye Tucker so visible on TV over the last months of her
life, many of us came to love her and appreciate her for what she had become.
But because of what she had done, we could not discourage the implementation
of the death sentence. It was a just sentence, and it was right that it
should be done.
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