We need to practice nonviolence
I write to offer another point of view to the letter written by Gregg Townsley, “Pope pointing people the wrong way” (TGI, Aug. 18).
It is clearly stated in the Bible that one of the 10 commandments which God gave to Moses is “Thou shalt not kill.” Why do humans continue to think it is all right to do otherwise?
Jesus came to remind us of the two great commandments:
1. Love God with your whole heart and soul and mind.
2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Jesus modeled consummate intelligence by “turning the other cheek,” not resorting to violence. He disputes “an eye for an eye” in Matthew 5:38-42.
Pope Francis recently stated that the Catholic Church would consider inadmissible any support for the death penalty. He said executions were unacceptable in all cases because no matter who the person is or what the person has done every person has “human dignity.” He said the church would work unceasingly to abolish capital punishment worldwide. That is not to say the crime goes unpunished. There is always justice, but even that system is far from perfect.
While more than 103 countries have abolished capital punishment, and 30 countries are abolitionist in practice, the U.S. is one of more than 50 countries which still maintain the practice, including China, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, Somalia, etc. Instead of the U.S. leading, it is way behind.
For humanity to continue to evolve, we must release violence and do everything possible to practice nonviolence. Is it easy? No. Is it doable? Yes.
Terri Donovan Mansfield, Kapaa
