Church and state
To the editor:
The trial in Boston of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has brought to the fore a serious subject.
Catholics there are upset that they are excluded from sitting on the jury for his trial. The reason is that their religious beliefs will not allow them to vote for the death penalty. Although the death penalty position within the dictates of their religion does allow for the death penalty, the situations permitted would be rarely, if ever, fulfilled.
Another ingredient to this discussion is the death penalty itself. There are many in this country who oppose the use of the death penalty. A closer look at this, including elements not mentioned by the foes of this penalty, is the law and penalty itself. The law states that if you are convicted of a certain type of crime, along with the requisite circumstances, that you are subject to death. It is very clear on this most serious point. It is now up to the individual to make the decision to determine if their actions are worth paying this ultimate penalty. The choice is theirs pure and simple. Actions have consequences.
As for the religious intrusion into this subject we proudly state here in this country, “separation of church and state.” The reverse should also apply. We should point out that there should be “separation of state and church!” As followers of the New Testament will attest, however begrudgingly, Jesus said, “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and to God that which is God’s.”
As for the judicial system eliminating Catholics from consideration it may be likened to someone who sits at the gambling table but is unwilling to pay the price if fate goes against them. One cannot legally and lawfully select how the law is to be applied. If the circumstances fulfill the legal requirements then I should think that even Catholics, on the jury, would be required to follow the law as they would have been placed under oath to do so.
If the religions would have the state stay out of their pulpit then the religion must stay out of the jury box as well.
Joseph L. Kibitlewski, PhD.
Cape Coral