The death penalty is a controversial topic, especially for Christians--people who see the reign of God as one of forgivenss, restorative justice, and mercy. How do we reconcile ending someone’s life with the all-encompassing grace and love of Jesus Christ? Today’s guest, Dr. Jenny McBride, talks us through those conflicting concepts.

Jenny is Associate Dean and Associate Professor at McCormick Theological Seminary. She was the Board of Regents Endowed Chair in Ethics at Wartburg College in Iowa and was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Initiative in Religious Practices and Practical Theology at Emory University, where she served as program director for the Atlanta Theological Association’s Certificate in Theological Studies at Metro State Prison for Women. 

Jenny’s deep friendship with Kelly Gissendaner, Georgia’s only female death-row inmate who was executed in September 2015, grew out of her experience as a professor in the certificate program. Jenny got to experience Kelly’s deep and growing faith and walked with Kelly through the final moments of her life, reminding her that “Jesus is going to be with you.” Jenny’s latest book, You Shall Not Condemn, tells Kelly’s story through her own friendship with Jenny and other religious leaders and advocates.

You Shall Not Condemn doesn’t have a release date yet, but as soon as it does, we’ll let you know on The Weight’s social media.