When it comes to biblical honor killing, there are many people who hold different views as to whether it exists or not. There are those who are convinced that the Bible has instances where it calls for the administering of the death penalty to restore the reputation of a family. There are also those who deny this. Those who say the bible promotes these punishments quote various verses to support their claim. The times may have changed and the Christians may no longer advocate for these practices but it helps to show that there is no basis for the practice to be viewed as a strictly Islamic affair. The Quran itself does not mention this practice anywhere.
Evidence is found in the book of Leviticus chapter 21verses 9. It states that if a woman who is a daughter of a priest becomes a prostitute, she must be put to death. This will be done by burning her for destroying the reputation of her father. This is a clear case of meting out the death penalty to protect a particular reputation.
Other instances where the same harsh death penalty is imposed are found in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 9. Here, the death penalty is imposed on those who show disrespect by insulting their fathers and mothers. The same view is repeated in Exodus chapter 21verses17.
These passages clearly show that the Bible has called for the death penalty for those who bring dishonor to their families for various reasons. It would therefore be misinformed for anyone to claim that Christianity does not condone such acts. As the foremost book of guidance for the Christians, the Bible clearly mentions and explains when such punishments may be administered.
These sort of debates on whether the religion of Islam condones such punishments and whether the Bible contains such evidence are almost always triggered by reports of such punishments being meted out. These incidences often arise from Arabic states or where there are many Muslims. These countries include Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan. There are, however, states with large Islamic populations where these incidences are not reported. An example is the country of Indonesia.
There is also evidence of similar incidents being reported in predominantly Christian countries such as Brazil and Italy. India has also had such incidences from the Hindus and Sikhs. This shows that religion is not the only determinant.
People have different tribal beliefs and these influence the setting up of laws. These prescribe punishments for various crimes. Because Islam is a religion that demands that those who practice it obey its laws fully, the instances of such deaths would be more frequent and in more states than is currently the case.
The religion that people practice is always influenced by their culture. It influences how they interpret and apply the various teachings of their religion. Sometimes these cultural influences are stronger than the religion itself. This is why people need to appreciate the existence of biblical honor killings.
Evidence is found in the book of Leviticus chapter 21verses 9. It states that if a woman who is a daughter of a priest becomes a prostitute, she must be put to death. This will be done by burning her for destroying the reputation of her father. This is a clear case of meting out the death penalty to protect a particular reputation.
Other instances where the same harsh death penalty is imposed are found in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 9. Here, the death penalty is imposed on those who show disrespect by insulting their fathers and mothers. The same view is repeated in Exodus chapter 21verses17.
These passages clearly show that the Bible has called for the death penalty for those who bring dishonor to their families for various reasons. It would therefore be misinformed for anyone to claim that Christianity does not condone such acts. As the foremost book of guidance for the Christians, the Bible clearly mentions and explains when such punishments may be administered.
These sort of debates on whether the religion of Islam condones such punishments and whether the Bible contains such evidence are almost always triggered by reports of such punishments being meted out. These incidences often arise from Arabic states or where there are many Muslims. These countries include Palestine, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Pakistan. There are, however, states with large Islamic populations where these incidences are not reported. An example is the country of Indonesia.
There is also evidence of similar incidents being reported in predominantly Christian countries such as Brazil and Italy. India has also had such incidences from the Hindus and Sikhs. This shows that religion is not the only determinant.
People have different tribal beliefs and these influence the setting up of laws. These prescribe punishments for various crimes. Because Islam is a religion that demands that those who practice it obey its laws fully, the instances of such deaths would be more frequent and in more states than is currently the case.
The religion that people practice is always influenced by their culture. It influences how they interpret and apply the various teachings of their religion. Sometimes these cultural influences are stronger than the religion itself. This is why people need to appreciate the existence of biblical honor killings.
