Dangerous Theology in Houston: Excerptible Words from Speaking Tour on the Death Penalty

– Excerpt from address to Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty Houston Chapter on Speaking Tour:

Christians have blood on their hands. Here in Texas, our historical theology has made a way for the death penalty. We taught over and over that the wrath of God was not to be satisfied without the blood of Jesus. Unfortunately, a theology based on blood teaches humans that blood is required when blood is spilt. Vengeance becomes the basis of faith. We created this theology and we can fix it. How?

We begin to deconstruct a theology of death by repenting of our sins and engaging the lunacy of the death penalty head on. People are not going to pay attention to a theological argument. How many of you feel like you are most effective in this work when you are arguing with someone? I didn’t think so. We cannot expect people to take big steps unless we are willing to take big steps. Many of you have asked me about the 200 miles I walked back in June against the death penalty. Why did I do it? I guess I felt like I needed to take a few big steps to show others the way.

The reason we still have the death penalty here in Texas is because we are afraid to take the big steps. Most people don’t know how to take the big steps. Most people need people like you to show them. You must be the guides for them. We must be willing to travel to dark places if we are going to share the light. Do not be afraid. You are the light of the world. You are the reason that we will win.

Amen.