DEATH AND ATONEMENT, part 2 of Chapter 7 of Blood Atonement by OGDEN KRAUT

THE RIGHT TO ADMINISTER ATONEMENT

Although atonement by the shedding of blood might be a doctrine and principle of the Church, it is not to be administered by the Church. This is left to the government, whether it be man’s government or God’s. It is a religious doctrine but a political law. [77] If states or government do not choose to adopt this law into their penal codes, then they are not administering law as close to the laws of God as they should.

The Lord gave this directive concerning the capital punishment of a murderer.

And it shall come to pass, that if any persons among you shall kill, they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land. (D.C. 42:79)