John Klein wrote: >As for the evidence, I'm talking about your own statement. You said that >sins are punished differently, but you believe that they're the same >anyway. So why would things that are the same merit different levels of >punishment? > It depends on what purpose the punishment has. If punishment is designed to stop an infant from doing something dangerous, a quick slap or yell does the job. If punishment is designed to deter revolution, maybe heads on a spike and no consecrated burial is necessary. (Morganti blade death?). Punishments are designed to deter, to protect the rest of us, and to satisfy our lust for "justice". #1 can be analyzed benefits against costs. #2 can be analyzed benefits against costs. #3 is much harder.