Building a Culture of Life

Since the church approaches topics like capital punishment and abortion in “both-and” terms; it seeks the well-being of women and their children, of both criminals and their victims. In order to do this we must become a culture that values each person so much that we are willing to make necessary sacrifices.

How do we build a culture of life?

How do we build a culture of life? In reference to capital punishment, retributive justice (emphasis is on hurting the offender – “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth”) contributes to the culture of death. We need an alternative to build a culture of life. The goal of a criminal justice system is the restoration of life.

Read article: Ameneh Bahrami

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Could you forgive?

Restorative Justice Shows equal concern to victims and offenders Works toward the restoration of victims, responding to victims’ needs as the victims see them Supports offenders while encouraging them to understand, accept, and carry out their obligations Recognizes that while obligations may be difficult for offenders, they should not be intended as harms Provides opportunity for dialogue, direct or indirect, between victims and offenders, as appropriate Involves the affected community through the justice process

Read pages in Living Justice and Peace together Define “Culture of Death” Read pages in Living Justice and Peace together Define “Culture of Life”

Journal Question: Culture of Life vs. Culture of Death In your own life, which one do you see yourself in: Culture of Death or Culture of Life? Why? (Explain in1 paragraph) Describe a moment in your life where you might have found yourself in the Culture of Death. (1 paragraph)