Against the Death Penalty: Christian and Secular Arguments Against Capital Punishment [Paperback]

Gardner C. Hanks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1997 | ISBN-10: 0836190750 | ISBN-13: 978-0836190755

Drawing on Old and New Testament resources as well as secular arguments, Gardner C. Hanks shows that the death penalty harms rather than helps any quest for a just, humane society. He demonstrates through research data that the death penalty is an ineffective crime-fighting tool.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press (VA) (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836190750
• ISBN-13: 978-0836190755
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,440,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important book and resource that fills a needed niche, January 27, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Boise, Idaho) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Against the Death Penalty: Christian and Secular Arguments Against Capital Punishment (Paperback)

Although there are several books available that detail facts, figures and stories on the death penalty, I found Gardner Hank's book to have the best organized and appropriately concise presentation of the arguments against the death penalty. In particular I think it is appropriate to divide the perspective on the issue into secular and nonsecular arguments. In particular for me, as an agnostic with experience opposing the death penalty, I benefited most from Gard's careful and 'from the heart' presentation of the deeper meanings behind why a Christian must find the death penalty so abhorrent. A book definitely of value to give to friends willing to explore the rational arguments against the death penalty.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars against the idolization of death, January 21, 2003

By 

R. Michael Friends (Round Rock, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Against the Death Penalty: Christian and Secular Arguments Against Capital Punishment (Paperback)

Gardner Hank's Against the Death Penalty is a concise summary of the arguments against capital punishment. Forceful, rational arguments are made from religious and secular viewpoints. I highly recommend this book for anyone, of any faith, especially those who are unsure, or favor, the death penalty. Christian's especially need to reflect on Jesus' own execution, and with spiritual maturity examine our beliefs about the purpose and value of human life. The book is convincing, and Gardner's style holds one's interest, never being overly emotional or repetitive.

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars stood for 6 hours and read it, July 11, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Against the Death Penalty: Christian and Secular Arguments Against Capital Punishment (Paperback)

Its that compelling. I see various reviewers referring to the Bible but conveniently skipping the COMMANDMENTS to not kill and to love God and your neighbors. In Matthew, Jesus submitted that the entire law and all the proclamations of the prophets hang upon loving God, and loving each other. Thus, if one claims to be a Christian, you have been COMMANDED to not kill, and to love your God and your neighbor, before anything else. So, please, don't use the Bible to justify killing by ignoring COMMANDMENTS and referring to obscure passages. Which do you think God will hold you to, when judgement comes?

This book speaks to the moralist in all of us, hoping to come to the only conclusion any moral human could: killing is always wrong, be it killing by individuals, or killing by the state