Romans 13 and the Death Penalty

The Catholic Church does not approve of the death penalty but only under rare circumstances. In Romans 13, Paul says that the state “does not bear the sword in vain” and is there to “execute his wrath on the wrongdoer”. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that the main purpose of the punishment that a society imposes is “to redress the disorder caused by the offense.” This means that public authorities must take action on those who violate a personal or social right. By enforcing laws, one must have the intention of protecting the public and the offering of a punishment that can help the violator change his behavior. This agrees with the words of Paul in Romans 13 because the one who bears the sword is not angry at the wrongdoer and is there to enforce the wrath of laws on him. This, however, brings to question if one can defend himself even to the extent of taking the offenders life.

“Legitimate defense can be not only a right but a grave duty for someone responsible for another’s life, the common good of the family or of the state.” This means that if it is necessary to kill the offender in order to prevent any harm, one may do so. If this is the case, then the death occurred because of the offender and the blame is on him. This is why the death penalty is sometimes, although rare, used in a society. If the only way to keep peace and defend public order and safety, then the death penalty can be used. Romans 13 says that the one who holds the sword is not in vain. It also says that those in authority are God’s servants for the public’s good. This must mean that after careful consideration for every case, the death penalty can be used since the authorities are only doing what is good. Yet since there are many corrupt authorities in this world, the Catholic Church must intervene. The Catholic Church does not often suggest the death penalty but for the more use of prisons. "If, instead, bloodless means