Open AccessDie reg op lewe
Author(s) -
J.M. Vorster
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
in die skriflig/in die skriflig
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2305-0853
pISSN - 1018-6441
DOI - 10.4102/ids.v36i2.504
Subject(s) - punitive damages , capital punishment , punishment (psychology) , abortion , criminology , power (physics) , state (computer science) , capital (architecture) , sociology , law and economics , perspective (graphical) , political science , law , psychology , social psychology , history , pregnancy , art , physics , archaeology , algorithm , quantum mechanics , biology , computer science , genetics , visual arts
The right to life This article deals with the practical application of the fundamental right to life with special focus on abortion, capital punishment and euthanasia. From a Christian ethical perspective and the biblical principle of life it is argued that the practice of abortion, capital punishment and euthanasia cannot be justified for various reasons. Christians should therefore consider other ways to deal with issues like unwanted pregnancies and suffering. Regarding serious crime, punitive measures other than capital punishment ought to be considered because the practice of capital punishment can be misused by the state and can lead to the abuse of power. Capital punishment is also detrimental to the development of a culture of respect for life in society at large