In an oddly legalistic episode, Ben analyzes the recent revision to the Catholic Church's teaching on Capital Punishment. Should criminals be executed for their crimes? What is the purpose of punishment? How does the dignity of the person play a role in ethical decision-making? What does the Bible say about the death penalty? Is the Pope always infallible? What happens when one pope contradicts another pope? Are we allowed to disagree with the recent revision?

 

All of these questions and more are examined, with readings from the old edition of the Catechism, the revised edition, and a critical letter from First things.

 

First Things open letter:

https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2018/08/an-appeal-to-the-cardinals-of-the-catholic-church