Religion & Death Penalty

Roughly two-thirds of atheists (65%) and six-in-ten agnostics (57%) either “strongly” or “somewhat” oppose the death penalty.

Many large religious groups have taken positions in opposition to the death penalty even though that stance is sometimes at odds with the opinions of their adherents.

Over 1300 executions have occurred in the U.S. since 1977, the year after the Supreme Court reaffirmed its approval of the death penalty. See how many executions have been performed in each state since the ruling.

Here's a rundown of the Supreme Court's busy docket, which includes cases on the ACA's contraception mandate, religion in the workplace, same-sex marriage and the death penalty.

Many Americans continue to say their religious beliefs have been highly influential in shaping their views about social issues, including abortion and same-sex marriage. But far fewer cite religion as a top influence on their opinions about several other social and political issues, including how the government should deal with immigration, the environment and poverty. […]

American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. Since 1982, the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. has opposed capital punishment in the United States. American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A., Resolution on Capital Punishment In this research package An Impassioned Debate An overview of the death penalty in America. The Death Penalty and the Supreme Court […]

Erik C. Owens, John D. Carlson, and Eric P. Elshtain, eds. Series: The Eerdmans Religion, Ethics, and Public Life Series “Call for Reckoning” Conference (January 25, 2002) Order the Book This important book is sure to foster informed public discussion about the death penalty by deepening readers’ understanding of how religious beliefs and perspectives shape […]