in a nutshell... 1. the state should not have the right to execute its citizens. if it does, that right WILL be abused, innocent people will be killed and racism and politics will figure into the policies of execution. 2. if you say you are a Christian yet believe in the death penalty you are a hypocrite. Ultimate judgement for wrongdoing is left for God according to Christian principles. To maintain our civilized society vicious criminals should be removed from society for life. Don't want to pay for it? it's the price of civilization and moral clarity.