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In this reasoned exploration of justice, retribution, and redemption, the champion of the new monastic movement, popular speaker, and author of the bestselling The Irresistible Revolution offers a powerful and persuasive appeal for the abolition of the death penalty. The Bible says an eye for an eye. But is the state's taking of a life true—or even practical—punishment for convicted prisoners? In this thought-provoking work, Shane Claiborne explores the issue of the death penalty and the contrast between punitive justice and restorative justice, questioning our notions of fairness, revenge, and absolution. Using an historical lens to frame his argument, Claiborne draws on testimonials and examples from Scripture to show how the death penalty is not the ideal of justice that many believe. Not only is a life lost, so too, is the possibility of mercy and grace. In Executing Grace, he reminds us of the divine power of forgiveness, and evokes the fundamental truth of the Gospel—that no one, even a criminal, is beyond redemption.
Shane Claiborne
Shane Claiborne is a prominent speaker, activist, and bestselling author. He worked with Mother Teresa in Calcutta and founded The Simple Way in Philadelphia. He leads Red Letter Christians, a movement of folks who are committed to living “as if Jesus meant the things he said.” Shane is a champion for grace, which has led him to jail for “good trouble,” and to places like Iraq and Afghanistan to stand against war.
Shane’s books include Jesus for President; Red Letter Revolution; Common Prayer; Follow Me to Freedom; Jesus, Bombs, and Ice Cream; Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers; his classic The Irresistible Revolution; Executing Grace; Beating Guns; and Rethinking Life. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
Shane speaks around the globe at denominational gatherings, festivals, and conferences. His university lectures include Harvard, Princeton, Liberty, Duke, and Notre Dame. His work has appeared in Esquire, Spin, Christianity Today, Newsweek, Time, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, and he has been featured on Fox News, Al Jazeera, CNN, and NPR. In 2023, Shane received The King Center’s Beloved Community Award for Social Justice from Dr. Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
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