The Death Penalty: An Historical and Theological Survey [Hardcover]

James J. Megivern (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1997

Some people believe strongly in "an eye for an eye," while others feel that nothing justifies the state-sanctioned killing of a human being. The death penalty continues to divide our nation, and many citizens are torn on the question of capital punishment. How one feels about the death penalty can usually be tied to one's religious beliefs. Do we have the moral, ethical right to use death as a punishment for the most heinous of crimes, or does the sanctity of human life prevail over all else?

In this fascinating book, James Megivern offers readers a comprehensive history of the death penalty in the West. Using a chronological and historical approach, he explores the development of the death penalty through early, medieval and modern periods, following elements of its history throughout Europe. His work provides insight into why there has been such confusion surrounding the issue of capital punishment and presents background for understanding the position adopted in Pope John Paul II's 1995 encyclical, The Gospel of Life. Megivern explores the U.S. Catholic Bishops' rejection of the death penalty, which coincides with its escalation in favor in U.S. public opinion polls. And he gives a sampling of current European theological thought that reinforces universal human rights theory and the ideals of international law.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Enter the term death penalty into the search box of any online bookstore and your cup will runneth over with titles and choices. Sister Helen Prejean's popular Dead Man Walking (LJ 6/15/93) is only the tip of the iceberg; even Jesse Jackson has recently entered the fray (Legal Lynching, National Pr. Bks., 1995). To his credit, theologian Megivern (philosophy and religion, Univ. of North Carolina, Wilmington) remains focused, concentrating on establishing what he calls "Western Christendom's" (read: Catholicism's) culpability in developing that odious concept of capital punishment, first as a divinely ordained penalty and later as a response to heresy. He ultimately ends with the American Catholic bishops' public discomfiture with state-sanctioned lethal violence. The book's strength lies in its broad Western historical survey, but at more than 600 pages, it may be more than casual readers find they want. Still, with its 150 pages of endnotes and a comprehensive bibliography, Catholic religious scholars and ethicists should find ample grist for the mill. Recommended for a academic and large public libraries.?Sandra Collins, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Lib.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

A generous and passionate account of the development of Catholic reflection and teaching on capital punishment. -- Theological Studies

A great book...grist for the mill of mind and conscience. -- Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J., Author, Dead Man Walking

An ambitious and timely book. -- The Journal of Religion

It should be read especially by those who think somehow that the seamless garment of life can be divided. -- Andrew M. Greeley

Represents a watershed in research and hope...supremely well written and engaging. -- Northern Nevada Catholic

Product Details

• Hardcover: 656 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Pr; 1St Edition edition (August 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809104873
• ISBN-13: 978-0809104871
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,085,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Death Penalty - the religious perspective, November 21, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Death Penalty: An Historical and Theological Survey (Hardcover)

With so many Americans completely unaware of their own religious denomination's opposition to the death penalty, this book is an important reference that should not be ignored. We hear so much about "an eye for an eye", yet we have no idea how that principal was actually applied and LIVED in the Old Testament. And further, how that principal was fulfilled thru the forgiveness and mercy spoken of in the New Testament. I won't lie - this book is a tough, long read. But the author leaves no religious stone unturned, and I give him credit for that!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great reference tool, but lacking in logic and argument, December 13, 2002

By 

Patrick Michael Laurence (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Death Penalty: An Historical and Theological Survey (Hardcover)

Megivern brings to light many useful and obscure historical texts on the issue of the death penalty. But his analysis of these texts is often lacking. Rather than confront the traditional arguments themselves, he often attempts to explain them away by virtue of their historical context. Moreover, the basic thesis - that two millennia of saints and theologians bowed to political pressure and were intellectually dishonest until Cardinal Bernadin had the courage to show us the light - is hardly credible.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing light to a very dark subject, December 29, 2000

By 

C. Pulskamp (Carmichael, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Death Penalty: An Historical and Theological Survey (Hardcover)

As a Catholic who has always opposed the death penalty, I found this book to be very helpful in understanding how and why the "Church" has seemed so confused on this issue. The author shares both his expertise as a philosopher/historian AND his compassion as a person (& heir to the errors and graces of christianity) in this broad survey of a few thousand years of grappling with a gospel response to violence. I especially appreciate his use of the concept of "retrieved values." I found the book easy to understand and full of hope for the future. Everyone who claims to be Christian ought to read this book and think about it.