The idea that Capital Punishment for murder is 'unchristian' was occasionally mooted by believers in the 19th Century, but in those days, people tended to take an overview of the scriptures and the bulk of Christians then would have been amazed to see attitudes displayed today.
The truth that "Jesus was all about compassion and love" is thrown at people like a weapon in a vacuum and I have to ask, "What of righteousness?" - Did Jesus have nothing to say on such matters?
The story of the 'Adulterous Woman' is misused and frequently mistaught from pulpits. Firstly, if Jesus simply let this woman off, then by extrapolation, all criminals must be let off - an absurdity.
Secondly, had she indeed committed adultery? We only have the word of those setting the trap.
Thirdly, when Jesus told her to "sin no more", what was the sin? Was it adultery or being involved in the trap? He would not 'condemn' her beyond the demands of the Law.
Fourthly, the trap was most emphatically not a mere test of Jesus' compassion. It was an issue of Jewish Law against Roman - a dangerous snare.
Finally, we must remember that in this case Jesus did actually endorse the execution, thus satisfying the Law. The 'accusers' were displaying hypocrisy; they were not seeking justice and his retort to them not only exposed this but meant that there would be no upset of the Roman authorities and of course, no stoning.
Why do some Christians have a problem, here? The OT shows punishment must be balanced - the Lex Talionis. Jesus requires forgiveness in the NT. Are these mutually exclusive? - Hardly. The OT shows society must properly punish crime, God punishes sin. The NT shows how the individual must act within society - forgiveness.
With some 15,000 extra murder victims in the period since 1964 levels, it is a question which must be asked and simplistic approaches to Scripture in order to justify 'modern niceness' must be challenged.
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