I cannot explain the morality of the death penalty without addressing religion. Religion largely impacts the decision one makes on a moral problem. Pro-death penalty Christians argue that the death penalty is morally acceptable because of the number of times it is used in the bible. One verse in Leviticus (perhaps the most controversial book in the bible) says, “if a man lies with a man just as a woman they shall be put to death for their abominable deed.” Another verse in Numbers recounted an instance when God told his people to stone a man because he was working on the sabbath. I do not think any American (or any sane American) would agree with both of these statements. The New Testament, however, is based on peace and forgiveness. Jesus says, "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you... whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also." This is a core belief of Christianity. Our justice system does not operate in the barbaric system of an eye for an eye. We have a justice system that punishes people fairly while respecting the dignity of human life. If a christian is for the death penalty, they are disobeying Jesus’ teachings that we should turn the other cheek. The reason why there are so many death penalties in the past is because people did not have the capability of locking someone up in jail and feeding them everyday. In our modern day society, we do have the capability of doing that. We have to understand that our world is changing and we have to adjust our morals accordingly, especially Christians who still draw their morals out of the Old Testament and not so much the New Testament. In any case, the fifth commandment of Christianity is “Though Shall Not Kill”. I could not agree more.