Thou Shalt Not Kill—But What About Those Who Kill? Indiana First Execution in 15 Years Sparks Debate on Justice, Mercy, and the Death Penalty

On December 18, Indiana executed Joseph Corcoran, convicted of a 1997 quadruple homicide, in the state’s first execution in 15 years. The case was polarizing—while some pointed to the heinousness of the crime, others raised concerns about Corcoran’s mental health, alleging paranoid schizophrenia. The decision reignited fierce debates about the death penalty’s place in modern society, including arguments over its morality, cost, and effectiveness.

The Death Penalty: A Hotbed of Debate

Why is the death penalty so divisive?For some, it’s a financial issue—why should taxpayers foot the exorbitant bill for decades-long appeals? Others argue it’s too lenient, with certain crimes so horrific they cry out for prolonged suffering. And let’s not forget those sitting on death row who later prove their innocence.

Are we comfortable knowing the system

is imperfect and irreversible?

But it doesn’t end there. What about rehabilitation? Does the execution of a criminal remove the deeper problem of broken, sin-soaked lives in need of transformation? Are we treating symptoms while ignoring the disease?

A Biblical Lens on Executions

The Bible doesn’t shy away from capital punishment. From Genesis 9:6—“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”—to Mosaic laws prescribing death for offenses like murder, idolatry, and adultery (Leviticus 20), executions were part of the divine justice system.

But Jesus shifted the narrative. When He stopped the stoning of the adulterous woman in John 8:7 with the now-famous words, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone,” He emphasized mercy over judgment. Was He saying the law was wrong? No. He was saying the application of justice requires humility and reflection.

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus Himself faced execution? The ultimate innocent man died a criminal’s death, exposing the flaws of human judgment and the higher purpose of divine mercy.

As believers, we’re called to more than debating punishment—we’re called to step into the mess and offer hope.

Thank God for the Christians who are involved in leading prison ministries! We spend a lot of energy arguing about what happens to someone after they’ve committed a crime, but how often do we minister to those sitting behind bars? Jesus explicitly called us to this in Matthew 25:36: “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

So what about mental illness?

From a biblical standpoint, what we call “mental illness” often overlaps with spiritual oppression. Many cases of psychosis, violent behavior, and confusion have roots in demonic influence. Jesus repeatedly demonstrated deliverance ministry, casting out demons that tormented people (Mark 5:1-20). Shouldn’t His followers be doing the same today? Some are but very few!

What Would Jesus Do?

Jesus wouldn’t ignore the need for justice, but He wouldn’t celebrate an execution, either. He would grieve the loss of life—the victims’, the criminal’s, and the collateral damage left behind. He would call us to forgiveness, not as a passive acceptance of wrongdoing but as an active step toward healing.

So, where does that leave us? We can’t fix the entire justice system, but we can bring light into dark places. We can advocate for the sanctity of life while acknowledging the burden of crime. And most importantly, we can take Jesus’ message of redemption to prisons, death row, and beyond, believing that no soul is too far gone for Him to save.

There are several ways to write to prisoners, and many organizations and websites provide opportunities to connect with incarcerated individuals, offering support, encouragement, and a sense of connection. Writing to prisoners can be a meaningful way to engage in ministry, offer moral support, or build relationships that could help with their rehabilitation. Here are a few options:

Write A Prisoner

Website: www.writeaprisoner.com This site connects people with men and women in prison who are looking for pen pals. You can browse through prisoner profiles and write to those who may be interested in correspondence. The website provides a safe platform to search for individuals based on location, age, and gender.

On Write A Prisoner, you can email prisoners, so your physical address remains private while still reaching out with support. You can choose to connect with male or female inmates, search by state, and even find out about the crimes they've committed. While you should never send your personal address for safety, sharing the message of Jesus with them is a powerful way to witness. The service is free, and the impact you make can last for eternity.

Instead of focusing on whether someone “deserves it” or not, remember that many of us have done wrong and never faced the consequences. Jesus, on the other hand, lived a life of perfect goodness and was unjustly executed. So, let’s move beyond opinions and start spreading the gospel—showing love and compassion even to those in prison. Scripture reminds us that everything we do for others, we do for Jesus (Matthew 25:40). Take a step to reach out, witness, and offer hope to someone who may need it. Write me and let me know what impact this could have for you!