Spiritually Pondering, would you prefer life in prison or the death penalty?

I'd choose life in prison, both religiously and because I'm scared to die.

Reminds me of that book, "The Executioners Song" where that guy back in the 70's wanted his death sentence carried out because he could no longer take living in prison.

I've never been to prison so I don't know how livable it would be for me but from what I've heard its pretty nasty no matter where you end up.

I suppose if my sentence was life in prison without any possibility of parole I'd live it out as long as I could stand it. On the other hand one of the most frightening things about the death penalty is that you have no control over it. Suicide can be a decision you work up to but I don't know if you get the mental room with the death penalty to be able to want what's coming to you.

I think I'll just avoid both altogether, thanks.

I'm wholly against the death penalty either way.

I am against capital punishment simply because the State has no right to preempt its own legal reasoning by conducting the same act for which it is condemning. Capital punishment is an act of hypocrisy, not an act of mercy.

All of the data concerning capital punishment demonstrates that it is NOT an effective deterrent to the crime of murder. So, the death sentence is not done based on functional evidence (which is contrary to its reasoning or purpose). It is done as an act of senseless State violence and is a perpetration on society.

A real punishment is life imprisonment without hope of parole. While it may not be any better deterrent to capital crimes, at least, it is not done by committing the same crime for which it is reasoned justifies it. In my opinion a death sentence makes a judge, jury and the state, murderers themselves. They cannot exonerate themselves by saying they were just following the letter of the law - this is the same reasoning that Nazi war criminals used to exonerate themselves when they perpetrated heinous war crimes.

Well with my religion a warriors death is my choice, beheaded, hung, shot. Death would mean I could reincarnate and live on another life faster.

As the concept of mercy and is it right to kill a killer I look at the old laws.

"Eye for an Eye, tooth for a tooth"

so the victims parents should be my judge, jury, and executioners.

I think some one who murders isn't going to understand the idea of pusihment nor see the living in prison as an act of mercy.

I would probably prefer a life in prison. Even people in prison can make a difference. They can still read the bible. They can still pray for others. People underestimate how much praying for others matters. I would never wish death on myself, even if my life had to be spent in prison. Besides, with the way the system is these days, they would probably let you out on good behavior for about 2 or 3 days every couple of months after a while. I know, because, i have family who have done this. And they would probably let you out for good within about 20 to 30 years. But dont wish death on yourself. You only get ONE life. Not 5 or 6. Spend it the best way you can. Even in prison.

I also am usually against capital punishment, but i could not and would not want to live in prison the rest of my life so i would choose the death penalty but only by lethal injection

I could get a lot of reading in. I would not mind it too much I don't think. I spent about seven years in Iowa so I kind of know what it is like to be confined for a long time. I sure read a lot of books over the winter I can imagine how many more I could read in a life time...score!

Life in prison without a doubt.

Even if I were to say death... id probably have a heart attack on my way to the execution/lethal injection. I don't think anyone should be sentanced the death penelty. You'll endure your destiny once you leave this world. Forever sure beats 2 minutes of dying.

"An eye for an eye, and everyone is blind."

I Think it would depend on the individual. Capital punishment would be a mercy if he (or she) were already saved, but if they weren't then prison would be preferable since there might be a chance of them turning to God at some time during their sentence.

Generally the Atheist see's any form of life (except a little baby in it's mother) as being the only thing there is so they are against the death penalty.

I am in favor of the death penalty, but if society would like to see them suffer all their life (which I think is actually worse) go for it.