These Common Beliefs Are A Contradiction

The contradictions are so great, I can not understand how some people can live with their beliefs.

What is your position on the death penalty? Here is a quote from a web site that provides a definition of Progressive Christianity (http://www.tcnj.edu/~weinste3/whatischristianleft.htm). A part of the definition is the following stance on the death penalty:

"This commitment to nonviolence can also be seen in the Christian Left's opposition to the death penalty and the use of torture. Often, the commitment to peace is based on the sanctity of life..."

I think this provides a fairly good description of the typical basis for opposing the death penalty.

What principles do we see here?

nonviolence -- peace -- sanctity of life

opposition to the death penalty -- opposition to torture

What is your position on abortion?

The Christian left is divided on the issue of abortion, although supporting abortion seems to be a primary issue for the political left. What I don't understand are those who oppose the death penalty and also support abortion. This is a group of people who oppose taking the life of someone who has committed terrible crimes, yet they support the killing of the innocent. They oppose "violence" that brings justice, and support violence for the sake of convenience. I put the word "violence" in quotes because we are careful to be sure when the death penalty is carried out it is done in as "humane" and pain free way. On the other hand aborted babies are sometimes pulled apart, limb-by-limb while they are alive. Where is the greatest violence being done? It is in the abortion clinics.

If you support abortion and oppose the death penalty... why? Think about it. Why do you wish to withhold justice from the guilty and impose the death penalty on the innocent? Don't you care about innocent children being murdered?

What is my position on these two issues?

Abortion is murder. But if you've had an abortion, God still loves you, forgives you, and you can be sure Jesus died to pay the penalty for all your sins.

The Bible allows for the death penalty, when executed in a just manner by governments. However, personally I think we should avoid giving the death penalty. Because, when someone dies their opportunity for eternal life ends. God gives us all second, third and fourth chances. But when we die, the second chances end and our eternal destiny is determined. Heaven or hell? It will be one or the other. I like to give those convicted of crimes as much time as possible to recognize they are a sinner (someone who has disobeyed God), who is in need of a Savior, and that Savior is Jesus Christ.