What Jesus said speak volumes to this, "those who are without sin let them cast the first stone". That being said I am reminded quite frequently how society is structured around the scapegoat. In fact there is a passage in the gospel which describe Jesus healing a mad man chained in the outskirts of his town. When the town's people heard that Jesus healed this man, they took offense, because they needed that man to maintain order and without him they feared, I believe, living without scapegoating. Just look today how many people are incarcerated, many for nonviolent offenses like drug addiction or crimes related to it. A hugh industry is created to maintain the status quo, whilst dehumanizing the addict.

Hi, I am from a country where capital punishment is no longer in use (France) and I can say that I'm totally against it but a recent evenement (Ben Laden death) made me think about it. I was really disturbed by the way but not by the fact that he was killed. The point here is what is spiritually involved in this contest. Killing for punishing or for vengeance (like in the capital sentence) is totally wrong, inethical and also not an act we, spiritual beings, should accept. Butwhen e person is involved in hundreds of death and ready to kill hundreds more. When it's not possible to correct the situation otherwise, is it immoral to end his actual life ? It is not a question of punishment or vengeance here (even if most of the people have seen it that way) but a way to protect others and I think that the marins who had this mission, the president who had this responsability and all the people involved in this were not rejoicing of having killed somebody but are relieved for allt he children and the parents who would have been dead if this person was still alive. What I like in Unity is the fact that we are not considered like children but like spiritually grown people who can think and act with our hearts in subjects that matter to us. There are so many religious organisations who tell you exactly what to think or not. The (non)position of Unity on this subject is interpreted by me as a form of respect instead of a deal breaker.

First seek the fulfillment of your heart, then all worldly differences will change. [I personally believe death penalty is as evil as the crime one is accused of. Jesus spoke about turning the other check to be smacked too, instead of retaliation. how could you kill a person even if that person you will kill had killed? Their wrong, doesn't justify us to do the same. We are suppose to live by the heart. Not the mind!]

When Jesus said,"Seek Ye the kingdom of heaven within and all else shall be added." He wasn't referring to receiving something material as most think. He was talking about that internal missing piece will be added. So through a good practise of meditation you will have it added on, that missing piece! True happiness comes from independence, on it's own. Has nothing to do with the weather, it has nothing to do with how things are going for you. Haven't you ever been sad and had everything going right? There still is a missing piece that you are in need of. It's in your heart. God is not a servant to do your bidding. Nor is God a being that answers prayers. It is an experience of internal fulfillment. No matter what you believe about the law of attraction, no matter how powerful you are told it is, it isn't going to solve the need of your heart. The ultimate goal in man's quest is not to advance on the material plane, but to solve the mystery of his heart. It seems like life has ups and downs. But everything could be going good, and the dark side of the mind brings you to feeling empty. An emptiness which no item, no activity, no person or creature can fulfill. We trick ourselves into believing everything is good, but there is a place in us which when complete we will be happy all the time.

This is a thorny moral issue with political implications. The point you do not seem to want to acknowledge is that moral people of good conscience can disagree on whether or not the death penalty is ever appropriate. You have a firm position on the topic, but the concept of ethical diversity allows that others may see as clearly and come to a different conclusion. History will sort this out, and someday our descendents may wonder why we ever felt the way we do--regardless of which side prevails.

Personally, I believe the death penalty is appropriate in extreme circumstances, but it should not be employed with impunity, as it is in the United States and a few other morally challenged nations around the world. This is NOT the Unity position, which has no official stance on the topic, as you indicate. We honor life, and my non-statistical hunch is that most of us agree with you and are radically opposed to capital punishment in any context.

If you require an organization which takes an "official" stand against capital punishment, the following groups have made a public declaration for abolition:

The American Baptists, American Ethical Union, American Friends Service Committee, America Jewish Committee, Amnesty International, The Bruderhof Communities, Central Conference of American Rabbis, Disciples of Christ, Church of the Brethren, Church Women United, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Friends United Meeting, General Conference of General Baptists, General Conference of Mennonite Church, Mennonite Church, Moravian Church in America, YWCA, , Orthodox Church in America, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), The Rabbinical Assembly, Reformed Church in America, Reorganized Church, Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and the United States Catholic Conference.*

*Source: http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut7.htm

I was dismayed to read that Unity and Dr. Tom do not have a position on capital punishment. I have been a supporter of Unity for 20 or so years, but this very well may be a deal breaker. To me, this is not a political issue, but a moral issue. It is wrong to take someone's life, especially when there are many instances of innocent people being put to death and residing on death row for many years. I can understand Unity not taking the sides of Democrats vs. Republicans, the US vs. the Mideast, etc., but this is a fundamental moral question regarding human behavior. The US is the only western country that uses this barbaric method of punishment. Please respond, Dr. Tom. I am beginning to think that my support would be better given to the Society of Friends.

I,too, would like to be able to share Unity Magazine articles on Facebook. The last issue (Sept/Oct)was excellent! Every article was "full of juice"! Especially wonderful, were the articles by John Shelby Spong, Sam Menahem and Joan Gattuso. They each spoke to me in a personal way and expressed views and feelings I share. I always look forward to the next issue. Pam Johnson

I wish there was a way Unity could make these articles available online. I would really like to share them both with all my Facebook Friends (300+). This is something that would be great to share far and wide. What great wisdom and compassion. Thank you so much for these articles!!!! "Taking a stand on Homosexuality" by John Shelby Spong "Homosexuality and Scripture" by Ken Daigle

Regarding September 2010 article "Taking a stand on Homosexuality" by John Shelby Spong Hallelujah & Amen!

I have been so impressed with the content and appearance of the last two issues of Unity Magazine... I am renewing my subscription...something I haven't done for a while. Congratulations for bringing the magazine into the 21st century and becoming a voice addressing the continued evolution of our movement. Blessings Barry Vennard