Episode Details

Content note: this episode discusses botched execution, public execution, and lynching in America. Please listen mindfully.

Tennessee tried twice to execute Christa Pike on September 30th and failed. A week later, Pete Hegseth said he wanted the next military execution livestreamed. Why do some Christians defend the death penalty, and why do we believe those arguments fail on Jesus' own terms? 

In this episode, we walk through the scriptures that Christians use to support the death penalty, examine the sociological data on deterrence and botched lethal injections, and what James Cone teaches us about public execution and lynching in America.

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Show Notes

1. Data on Botched Executions- https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/botched-executions
2. Christian Resistance to the Death Penalty- https://www.prisonfellowship.org/resources/advocacy/sentencing/the-death-penalty/
3. CLUE Bond Fund- https://www.cluejustice.org/detained-immigrant-bond-fund/ 
4. Each Step Home: Supporting Families in Detention- https://eachstephome.org/ 
5. Catholic, evangelical leaders condemn public execution plan of Fort Hood gunman - https://religionnews.com/2026/10/09/head-of-u-s-catholic-bishops-conference-condemns-public-execution-plans-as-promoting-a-culture-of-death/

The Progressive Christians Podcast is a ministry of The Loft, a worship community of Westwood United Methodist Church. If you have an idea for the show or want to connect with us, please email us at progressivechristians@theloftla.org.