An adulterous mind that leads to adulterous behavior is punishable by stoning. Let’s consider the weight of the matter. Stoning is not only obliterating the existence of another, but doing so with communal consent, with full humiliation, full hatred, and full wrath towards the perpetrator.
It is not for mere civility and outward display.
Now, there is no longer this consideration in light of Christ’s mercy, but let us remember the full wrath that is due a man or woman who commits adultery. It is a venom, an attack, an assault, a corruption of all human interaction, community - it is an attack upon humanity itself, its flourishing, its love, and civilization.