Are executions making the US look bad?

[abaris]

Yes, without a doubt. I wouldn't be so quick to blame Christianity for it though - at least not exclusively. The down side of American culture has its roots spread wide and probably most grounded in general arrogance. It's just general human failings. You enjoy a great deal of success, you start thinking you are the rightful arbiter of what is right and wrong.

Christian or not. I think that the eye for and eye approach is deeply ingrained in many of the promoters of capital punishment.

But also, the general American judicial system is much more punitive in nature than the European counterparts. To name only one of the most absurd examples, taking a leak in the streets can land you on the sex offenders list in certain states or counties.