Church Fathers on suicide

[Sabda]

I’m not sure if this really belongs in morality or not. If it does feel free to move it.

In another forum the question came up about whether or not one goes to hell for committing suicide. This got me to thinking about just what exactly did the early Church Fathers and the Church (in councils) have to say about this. I have gone looking for info on New Advent but can not seem to find exactly what I’m looking for. Basically, I’m looking for the official teachings of the early Church. Thank you in advance.

 

[Mom_of_5]

Don’t know the “official” teachings of the early church, but as I grew up and attended Catholic School, (50’s)we were taught that sucide was a mortal sin, period. God gives life and only He has the right to decide when it shall end. Today we are acknowledging that anyone who commits suicide is most likely someone with severe mental problems, not capable of making a responsible decisions. “Thou shalt not kill” is the commandment that covered all murder, including suicide.

Love and peace,
Mom of 5

 

[trogiah]

I’m not sure if this really belongs in morality or not. If it does feel free to move it.

In another forum the question came up about whether or not one goes to hell for committing suicide. This got me to thinking about just what exactly did the early Church Fathers and the Church (in councils) have to say about this. I have gone looking for info on New Advent but can not seem to find exactly what I’m looking for. Basically, I’m looking for the official teachings of the early Church. Thank you in advance.

The teachings of the gospels are clear about what warrants condemnation: The failure to practice forgiveness.

From the other side of the coin: God will forgive those who practice forgiveness.

The Ten Commandments themselves are not a list of things that you must obey to avoid eternal condemnation. (Though perhaps the first one might be interpreted that way.) They are guidelines that help us choose a path that leads to long life and prosperity. The failure to follow those guidelines can drastically cut short our life and limit our prosperity, but condemnation for breaking the rules is only warranted if we condemn others.

Jesus says this over and over.

peace, prosperity, and long life.

Jim