Has the Catholic Church Changed Its Teaching on the Death Penalty?
Summary
This episode explores the Catholic Church’s evolving stance on the death penalty, triggered by recent executions and Pope Leo’s statement. The host examines whether the 2018 Catechism revision and *Dignitas Infinita* represent a doctrinal change or development, contrasting philosopher Ed Faser’s concerns about continuity with apologist Swan Sona’s argument for reconciling traditional permissibility with modern dignity-based objections.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: Jerry Car Insurance
Sponsor: Aura Identity Protection
Sponsor: Tecovas Western Boots
Introduction: Recent executions and Pope Leo's statement
The core question: Has the Church changed its teaching?
Historical Catholic teaching on capital punishment
The 2018 Catechism revision and Dignitas Infinita
The theological difficulty: Intrinsic evil vs. development
Ed Feser's critique of the revised teaching
Swinburne's reconciliation via just war analogy
Comparing Feser and Swinburne's arguments
Closing thoughts on faithfulness and theological debate
Outro and call to action
Sponsor: Aura Identity Protection
Sponsor: Tecovas Western Boots
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