Executing Grace: How the Death Penalty Killed Jesus and Why It's Killing Us

The Bible says an eye for an eye. But is the state's taking of a life true-- or even practical-- punishment for convicted prisoners? In this thought-provoking work, Shane Claiborne explores the issue of the death penalty and the contrast between punitive justice and restorative justice, questioning our notions of fairness, revenge, and absolution. Using a historical lens to frame his argument, Claiborne draws on testimonials and examples from scripture to show how the death penalty is not the ideal of justice that many believe. Not only is a life lost, so too is the possibility of mercy and grace. In Executing Grace, he reminds us of the divine power of forgiveness.