The lesser of two evils

[Obsidian]

Because otherwise, in many instances people would get away with committing greater amounts of sin. Letting all punishment be the same is a perverse, unbiblical concept that in my opinion, our American justice system tends to lean toward. God is better than that.

[Paprika]

Ok, I've read and understood so far. I'm curious why it should be the case that there are different levels of punishment. Why should God care?

Justice.

[Carrikature]

Because otherwise, in many instances people would get away with committing greater amounts of sin. Letting all punishment be the same is a perverse, unbiblical concept that in my opinion, our American justice system tends to lean toward. God is better than that.

This I don't get. Separation from God in whatever form is supposedly the worst it can be, yes? How does anyone 'get away' with committing greater amounts of sin?

Justice.

Justice as a human concept is not necessarily the same as it is to God.

[Paprika]

Justice as a human concept is not necessarily the same as it is to God.

Sure. But you're asking what the Christian perspective is, and it is that God is just, though of course His views of justice can and would differ in many cases from ours.