Suicide as an consequence

[AZ42]

Let’s suppose you are a person who is captured by terrorists. They are going to torture and keep you in a horrible prison. You will likely be killed in the end. When they are transporting you, you have a chance to kill yourself. Your intent is to avoid being tortured, and you will do whatever to prevent that. That fact that you have to kill yourself is an unfortunate consequence. Would it be sinful for this person to kill themselves, even though that was not the intent, nor was it willed?

 

[Cruciferi]

Would it be sinful for this person to kill themselves

Yes.

even though that was not the intent, nor was it willed?

It was intentional and willfully committed.

You should read this Thread

Suicide in the event of capture Philosophy

Recently a Russian soldier was victim of an attempted capture by Jihadists. In the midst, he managed to blow himself up. Was this a moral decision? In the event, what would have been the more/lesser virtuous of decisions? Please note, we are not here to judge the soldier’s soul. Let him rest in peace, and pray for his memory.

 

[DeniseNY]

I don’t know about the case of being a POW, but my first thought was of the people who chose to jump from the Twin Towers. I would find it hard to believe that God would not extend mercy to them.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

the people who chose to jump from the Twin Towers.

That may have actually been panic.

 

[Marie16]

I tend to defer to the catechism in any case of suicide and the question of its morality because I do not think it can be any better stated than this.

[2280] Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.

[2281] Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

[2282] If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

[2283] We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.

 

[Cruciferi]

There’s nowhere else to go. It would be a normal reaction to being engulfed by flames and smoke.

 

[thistle]

Let’s suppose you are a person who is captured by terrorists. They are going to torture and keep you in a horrible prison. You will likely be killed in the end. When they are transporting you, you have a chance to kill yourself. Your intent is to avoid being tortured, and you will do whatever to prevent that. That fact that you have to kill yourself is an unfortunate consequence. Would it be sinful for this person to kill themselves, even though that was not the intent, nor was it willed?

Such an act would be intentional and therefore is a sin.

 

[thistle]

I don’t know about the case of being a POW, but my first thought was of the people who chose to jump from the Twin Towers. I would find it hard to believe that God would not extend mercy to them.

It is highly likely these people did not commit suicide. Their choice was be burned to death or jump in the hope (however slim) that they might survive.

 

[DeniseNY]

I appreciate the responses on the Twin Tower comment. It was the first thing that popped into my mind.

 

[FOG]

Not necessarily a mortal sin…

While taking one’s life is grave matter, the scenario doesn’t tell us how well catechized the individual was…he may not have not had knowledge of the act being grave matter…and, it could also be argued that despair impaired his thinking, so his action may not have been take with his willful consent.

Regardless, its in the hands of the Lord.