Yet, capital punishment is still the most primitive method of dealing with capital offenders. It is premeditated, ceremonious, state-sanctioned killing. It does not serve justice, but caters instead to our vilest fears and hatreds. Moreover, it is a waste of time, lives and public funds. It causes us to divert our efforts from finding the causes and solutions to our complicated criminal problems.
Atheists trust in the ability of people to find solutions to their problems.
Because atheism is a life affirming principle, we should join with the United Nations, Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union in calling for the abolition of capital punishment on the grounds that every human being has an inherent right to life that may not be diminished by government fiat. 3 Ibid, pg. 7 Bedau, Ibid. Back to Top of Forum .