215 - Adam Terrell: Public Stoning

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, Elliot speaks with Adam Terrell about his book Public Stoning: God's Design for a Nation Without Prisons, exploring a Christian perspective on prison abolition through the implementation of biblical law and judicial alternatives. Terrell outlines his framework of complete intra-ecclesial jurisdiction, arguing that modern prisons are an unlawful form of punishment under Scripture and that Christian congregations should exercise internal discipline, restitution, and—where biblical criteria are met—capital punishment rather than relying on secular state systems. The conversation examines Old Testament penal precedents, including the death penalty for severe or persistent offenses like childhood rebellion and blasphemy, while touching on historical theocracies, Calvin's Geneva, and the role of voluntary submission in ecclesiastical governance. Terrell also reflects on his homeschooling background, his work running a faith-based halfway house, and a practical scenario from his book's epilogue designed to test judicial discernment within church communities.

Born and raised in Denton, Texas, Adam was extensively educated in the Bible by his father and has no academic credentials, for better and for worse. He hosts a quarterly podcast that focuses on neglected Biblical law, and he has worked in the TV/film industry documenting work on government, public healthcare, and law enforcement.