Perhaps a solution to some divisive issues

[Christian Liberty]

This is an incredibly fascinating thread, and I've learned tons by doing this.

As of now, I have one question.

If an offense is serious enough, like adultery, they can impose the ultimate punishment of the highest severity: excommunication from the phyle.

It seems to me that the ULTIMATE penalty would be death. Could a group of theonomic reconstructionists legitimately create a community (Through voluntary, contractual consent) that punishes adultery, homosexuality blasphemy, etc. by death? Would such a thing be possible on the free market (note: I'm asking if its possible, not if its desirable)? Or is excomunication the most severe punishment that can be allowed in a libertarian society? What, if anything, changes when children (who can't properly consent) become involved?

[heavenlyboy34]

Bump!

Thanks for the bump. ~hugs~ It seems we are in total agreement, simply using slightly different language.
How Murray put it:

[helmuth_hubener]

This is an incredibly fascinating thread, and I've learned tons by doing this.

I'm so glad! Yes, I think Acala had some excellent ideas. Obviously, yes, it's self-serving of me to bump the thread that says something nice about me , but that was not my only reason for bumping it!

It seems to me that the ULTIMATE penalty would be death. Could a group of theonomic reconstructionists legitimately create a community (Through voluntary, contractual consent) that punishes adultery, homosexuality blasphemy, etc. by death? Would such a thing be possible on the free market (note: I'm asking if its possible, not if its desirable)? Or is excomunication the most severe punishment that can be allowed in a libertarian society? What, if anything, changes when children (who can't properly consent) become involved?

Only if the death is to be carried out by the violator's own hand. That is, only if the punishees are committing suicide. Everybody has the right to commit suicide whenever they like (basically), because they own their own body.

For the same reason, the punishment can't be carried out by others against their will. This is for the same reason (its converse, actually): the other members of the community do not own the body of that individual. So even if he freely agreed to it, saying "Oh yeah, if I ever commit blasphemy I agree to be killed," if he changes his mind at the last minute, then sorry, the stoning party is cancelled.