Moussaui gets life in prison

I was pleased to see that just a couple of hours ago Zacarias Moussaui was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the 9/11 attacks. Many wanted to see him get the death penalty, and until recently, I would have agreed with these people. But as a Christian with a pretty firm pro-life stance, it just wouldn't make sense for me to wish for the death of another, no matter how terrible his acts were.

Forgiveness is perhaps Jesus's most important teaching. I don't have any direct relations to any of the 9/11 victims, and I'm sure some of their family members are sore and wished Moussaui would have gotten capital punishment. I sympathize with them, and I really can't imagine what it'd be like to be in their position.

I just really can't see any benefit which could come from sending Moussaui to die. It satisfies our need for revenge, which to me is disgusting. If someone can prove to me that killing a murderer can bring back the victims or make up for their absence, let me know. Until then, I'll hold firm to my current view. I can't see how someone like President Bush can be such a strong advocate of the death penalty, and yet call himself a devout Christian. Neither do I understand pro-lifers who advocate for the death penalty, and likeise, pro-choicers who oppose the death penalty. It just doesn't make any sense. Revenge can be an extremely powerful emotion, but as a Christian, I think it's critical that this vice does not inhibit one from making a Christian decision.

This is one of the few serious posts I'll have on the blog, but I just wanted to comment on it.