Imagine if you will that a murderer kills someone in your family (God forbid!) – someone near and dear to you along with 76 other people. Imagine still that that “man” is arrested and put on trial and found to be sane and therefore responsible for his actions . Imagine how you would feel if that man not only did not regret his actions but seemed to be satisfied with his act. Imagine how you would feel if a court found him guilty and sentenced him to a mere 21 years in prison for his unrepentant mass killing. Such must be the feelings of many families of victims in Norway where Anders Breivik , the mass murderer, was handed out a 21 year sentence on August 24th. It’s a “time frame of 21 years” as 10 years is the maximum penalty in Norway! Theoretically, he could serve a minimum time of 10 years! Rubbish! Such is the world we live in today lacking in any real justice, where countries think they know better than God in denying justice in the form of the death penalty when it is warranted such as the perfect example of the massive slaughter this one man dished out on July 22nd, 2011. People (especially Norwegians) can try and explain it away all they want with arguments such as “he will probably never get out”, but the fact that a man who murders 77 others in such a cold, calculated and evil manner only gets 21 years is horrendous! I was outraged and yet not surprised when I heard that ridiculous decision. My feelings and thoughts were rekindled when I read this piece by John Piper titled, “Life Is Cheap in Norway: C. S. Lewis on the Sentence of Anders Breivik“. Life is cheap indeed it seems! Governments have a responsibility (ordained by God) to put to death those who are responsible for such evil murders. “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.” (Genesis 9:6) The people he killed have breathed their last and he has left an incalculable amount of torment and anguish to their families. What is his reward? 3 jail cells to his disposal where he can sleep, watch movies, TV, and he even has a gym where he can work out. Since the trial, he writes 8-10 hours per day, has a plan to write 3 books and intends to study political science…Norwegian justice! (Click here for a proper Biblical understanding of the death penalty.)
Andy in Oman 
I can’t handle any more depressing news today. What has the world come to? 😦
Yes, very sad. And your report on the accident near Salalah with 9 deaths was heartbreaking. I hope that all is well and of good report in your personal life, Nadia! We must attempt to remember the positive as we walk through this world. (“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8) )
He should have been handed a severe death sentence. Not the posh living style behind bars. This makes me sick and sad.
Jennifer,
Yes, I would think that his posh life style behind bars plus lack of penitence must be a slap across the face to all the families of victims of this murderer. I’m not sure what you mean by “severe” death sentence though as once you’re dead, you’re dead. I don’t think he should be tortured or anything if that’s what you mean, but justice does require his death. He will eventually receive his just desserts and due condemnation when standing before the Judge of all the earth. (Hebrews 9:27) Thanks for sharing your opinion.