Death For Child Molesters?

[kandrathe]

...
Romans 13:4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Tell me, do you think that sword is just for looks? To frighten? Just something there to hang off of his belt for decoration? Do the words "revenger to execute wrath" mean anything to you and your faith? That sword is for punishment. In short, cleaving people's heads off.

The sword that punishes fairly and justly is not used in vain. It is done for the common good.
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The problem with taking that verse (or any) out of context is... Is it the Christian, or the Roman government that wields the sword in this world? In Romans 13:1 Paul advises "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except by God’s appointment, and the authorities that exist have been instituted by God." And then again in 13:5-7 "Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath of the authorities but also because of your conscience. For this reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants devoted to governing. Pay everyone what is owed: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due."

Paul is telling the Roman Christians to obey the law, submit to the authority of the state, follow Roman law except where it conflicts with God's law. Mans justice will be dealt out by the state, but that spiritual justice is handed out by God. That sword of rightousness is the sword of spiritual judgement, not a justification for capital punishment in this world.