Biblical traditions Scriptural justification To execute the condemned Gaining stature publicity Religious extremists Meeting unbelievers in battle Smite at their necks Execution ritual Thoroughly subdued Bind the captive Kneeling, confessing Reading off offenses
Time for ransom Rubric condoning the act Condemnation by authorities Recruitment tool Agents of the apocalypse Express their horror What bleeds, leads Offensive, frightening New phenomenon of primal warfare Combined with modern technology The ultimate sign of power