Is suicide a sin?

[Mark1970]

If the question means “Is suicide objectively a grave sin”, then would have to answer “Yes”. If the question is “Is somebody who commits suicide subjectively guilty of grave sin”, then I would have to answer “only God knows”, for the reasons already given by previous posters. Hence I have voted “only God knows.”

 

[RosaryFan]

Suicide is grave matter. Whether or not it is a sin depends on the state of mind of the one committing it. Same as any other form of grave matter.

Jumping from the twin towers while it burns to the ground is an act of desperation to escape the horrors of burning to death. In that instant when the man decided to jump, I don’t think his purpose was to end his life. He was more likely trying to escape the fate of death and obviously was not in his right mind. I’m sure he was distressed, desperate and panicked.

Finally, these acts are not for us to judge. God is the sole judge of whether our actions are mortal, venial or not a sin at all. God alone knows our intent and what is in our hearts.

But, yes, suicide is grave matter. Therefore, when all three requirements for a mortal sin are present, then it is a mortal sin.

 

[Laura15]

Suicide is grave matter. Whether or not it is a sin depends on the state of mind of the one committing it. Same as any other form of grave matter.

Jumping from the twin towers while it burns to the ground is an act of desperation to escape the horrors of burning to death. In that instant when the man decided to jump, I don’t think his purpose was to end his life. He was more likely trying to escape the fate of death and obviously was not in his right mind. I’m sure he was distressed, desperate and panicked.

Finally, these acts are not for us to judge. God is the sole judge of whether our actions are mortal, venial or not a sin at all. God alone knows our intent and what is in our hearts.

But, yes, suicide is grave matter. Therefore, when all three requirements for a mortal sin are present, then it is a mortal sin.

It can be considered a sin, a very bad act, a mortal sin to some people’s mind. But it is God who shall judge that person. He is all merciful and loving.
It is always good to pray for lost souls that they may reach heaven.

 

[Credo_in_Deum]

I recently watched a documentary about a man who jumped of the twin towers called “9/11 The Falling Man” where they interviewed this Puerto Rican Catholic family, and told them that a relative of theirs might have committed suicide and that girl they interviewed said they were afraid that their father might be damned because he committed suicide because they thought he might have gone to Hell.

What are your thoughts?

I would have told the person that only the Eternal Judge which is God knows the hearts and intentions of those that have passed away. Whether or not he is guilty of suicide is between God and him.

The only way a person can know if someone is damned or not is if God reveals that information to them. A person could throw themselves off of a building and while falling make a perfect act of contrition for their sin of jumping. Every second is a chance to turn it all around. This is the mystery of God’s unfathomable mercy.

 

[JerrySeibert]

Wait. If the man had ‘stayed’ in the Twin Towers, would he not have died?

He would have died, wouldn’t he? Been burned to death?

Now, a person jumping even 100 stories could have lived. Not very likely, but possible. There have been cases of people falling with defective parachutes for over 10,000 feet and living.

How dare these people imply that a man jumping from a burning building was trying to commit suicide?

Sheesh. Don’t you think he was more likely trying to get away from fire and hoping against hope that maybe if he jumped he’d somehow survive?

IOW, as he jumped I’m pretty sure this man was thinking, “God, I know I’d die if I stayed in this fire and I’ll probably die from this high a fall but you know I don’t want to die, I want to live! I’m not doing this because I want to die.”

What a terrible, hurtful, and insensitive thing it was (IMO) to imply to this person’s family that he WANTED TO DIE. I wonder if they, facing the same choices, would be thinking as THEY jumped, “Look, God, I’m jumping because I’d want to die instead of facing that life-filled alternative of the burning building. . .”

Close this thread now. No other (name removed by moderator)ut need be added. Right on. Very thought provoking post. Thank you.

 

[Rand2410]

Yes suicide is a sin and a waste of God’s greatest gift.