What, if anything, is a suitable punishment for convicted perpetrators of political violence?

Adequate, fair and equal punishment. Violence toward your favourite podcaster is not worse than any other form of violence.

Is there any suitable punishment for anything? Are we simply running a rat-like experiment with the enslavement and punishment of souls to extract and enact capitalist principles in those who fall out of line? Is there a way to create a truly unpolitical prison? I think any sort of governmental punishment will always extend from a line of thinking that explicitly uses prisons as reeducation and reintroduction into a capitalist environment, and how one may live the rest of their life as a tool for creating capital within that system (i.e., complacency). I doubt that there is an apolitical way to reintroduce a political terrorist back into society, and I am just as staunchly opposed to some sort of Marxist punishment/reeducation. Maybe we let them walk free? If Christ can forgive, why can we not? If one of the main tenets of our faith is to let people have the space and means to grow and flourish, why do we not offer it to the least of these?

The same laws that apply to anything else.… Crime is crime.

The same as all the perpetrators of similar, non-politically motivated violence.

That depends on their crime. However, you cannot kill a person for their violence because it will make them a martyr. This title and perspective of heroism towards the perpetrator(s) is extremely dangerous and is responsible for fuelling more violent sentiments. If there’s anything more dangerous than an angry crowd, it’s a vengeful one that believes itself righteous.

It depends. If citizens are rioting because of a messed-up government, then it’s different. But when people in the government are corrupt and cause political violence, probably jail for life.

Jail time, attempt at rehabilitation and empathy exercises.

Depends on the extent of the violence, violence is violence, you don’t get a pass because your reasoning is “political.” Jail time to the death penalty. Innocent people should not be victims of violence because they have a different political view than someone else.

[... E]ye for an eye.

Convicted perpetrators of political violence should be punished according to the specific crimes they have committed … through a fair and transparent judicial process. … Since such acts are carried out in the name of a cause or ideology, a full investigation should also be conducted to determine the extent of any organized network or incitement behind the violence, ensuring accountability not only for individual offenders but also for those who may have enabled or directed the crimes.

Life in prison.

It depends if they have killed a person; then they should be made to pay restitution to the victim’s family and incarcerated in [solitary confinement]. If someone just caused violence, they should be arrested and sent to prison. Being in the same room as a person of an opposite ideology helps them to understand new viewpoints. 

Depends on how many people died because of this person’s actions.

In what ways can Mars’ Hill further engage with speaking out against political violence?

Educating people on what it is and what it looks like.

Awareness, writing about specific issues.

Don’t. Political violence in times of distress is inevitable, and speaking out is futile and holds no benefit to you or others. However, if you speak regardless, hold no bias. Fight censorship and engage in fruitful, diverse conversations. Remember that peace is only achievable through neutrality.

Just by starting conversations about it, which I think is already happening.

One of the most effective ways to stand against political violence is by fostering open, civil dialogue between opposing viewpoints. When people can calmly and rationally discuss their differences, they build understanding instead of resentment. If communication breaks down, it breeds hatred, division, fear and at its worst, acts of violence such as political assassinations or attacks. Freedom of speech must remain a cornerstone of any healthy democracy. While there is a clear need to address direct incitements to violence, explicit threats or calls for terrorism, we must also be cautious not to misuse labels or accusations to silence legitimate discussion. Overusing terms like “racist,” “antisemitic,” “misogynist” or “Nazi” out of context can dull their meaning and discourage genuine conversation. To preserve a stable and free society, citizens must be willing to engage openly with differing ideas, even uncomfortable ones. Suppressing speech in the name of sensitivity or control risks leading us down a path toward authoritarianism where people are told what they can say, think or believe. True progress and peace depend not on censorship, but on communication, reason and mutual respect.

Mars’ Hill should use a declarative speech rather than a rhetorical one.

Maybe show Christian/Biblical reasons why it’s unacceptable. Or take specific cases and talk about them.

Any violence is always bad, especially if it is targeted at a public figure to make a point.… Murder is wrong.

Instead of speaking out against it, be proactive to encourage free speech and support students being bold in their faith and defending Christian values.… As a Christian campus, we should be supporting open discussions while defending the faith.

Decry political violence and its motivations without sugarcoating the lives of those who are victims of it. [...].

Give examples of nonviolent methods for activism and resistance to fuel social change. Social justice cannot be achieved by unjust means.

I don’t think you need to do much; there are other platforms for that. Maybe mention those platforms.

Use your social media and magazine to raise awareness and speak up about what’s happening in the world.

Promote respectful dialogue between differing political opinions to prevent polarization and the dehumanization of opponents. Encourage moral values rooted in Scripture; when man forgets God, evil follows—as seen in Hosea 4:1-2, “There is no faithfulness or steadfast love, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds, and bloodshed follows bloodshed” [English Standard Version]. Knowing God puts an end to the cycle of violence as His redeeming power transforms the mind and sanctifies thoughts and deeds.

Educate and speak truth.

Engage with more political stories and give space for students/people from marginalized countries to share their stories of political violence.

Are there any more comments you wish to add?

Politics don’t care about you. Political violence is weaponized by movements and politicians for their own benefit. Do not let political violence divide you; that’s what they want. I cannot emphasize enough the manipulative nature of politics. Politicians will try to manipulate you into a headspace of “us versus them” once political violence is committed to further push their agendas and ideals. We were born into a game of chess where we are made to believe that the other pawns are our enemies when it is the one controlling them. I beg you to ask the questions: “Why was this act of violence committed? Who is truly benefiting from this act of violence? Who is pointing fingers? What do they want?” Stay diligent. Keep asking questions. Politics always has an ulterior motive.

No one deserves to be a victim of political violence. Saying someone deserved to be on the receiving end of violence is inhumane and should be addressed more often. Thank you for doing this.

Read “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King Jr.

Political violence is normalized through the unchecked circulation of ideas on social media within political camps. These camps act as echo chambers when members do not interact respectfully with people of differing opinions; repeating the same idea over and over causes it to become more extreme, groups become more polarized and violence is the result.

Political violence is happening everywhere and not just in America (even though it’s talked about more).

This is a great initiative!