what is the christian view of suicide

[Bill_Pick]

What does the Bible say about suicide? What about a believer who commits suicide?

 

[Eucharisted]

Sucide is self-murder, and as murder, it is a mortal sin. Those who commit suicide don’t automatically go to hell; man has a chance to repent even at the hour of death. We pray for all the dying. A good prayer is this:

O Most Merciful Jesus, Lover of Souls: I pray Thee, by the agony of Thy most Sacred Heart, and by the sorrows of Thine Immaculate Mother, cleanse in Thy Blood the sinners of the whole world who are now in their last agony, and are to die this day. Amen.

Heart of Jesus Agonizing, have mercy on the dying.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph, we love Thee, save souls.

 

[yellowbird]

I think most people who are in such a state of despair that death seems like the only reasonable solution are terribly mentally ill and God has mercy on those who are suffering.

Ultimately we have no way of knowing who goes to heaven or hell - God is our judge.

 

[FCEGM]

Bill, the Catechism of the Catholic Church has this to say:

Suicide
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.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

I think most people who are in such a state of despair that death seems like the only reasonable solution are terribly mentally ill and God has mercy on those who are suffering.

Ultimately we have no way of knowing who goes to heaven or hell - God is our judge.

May the Lord God Bless you and keep you always Yellowbird for the understanding,that can only come from the creator of all things, including the mind. Yes certain medications can effect the thinking process and can make a medical condition worst than it originally was at the start. And mental illness is the cause of suicide in most cases.Yes it’s not right to do, but the one doing it is not in a state of mind that will listen because of the effect of the drug on the brain.And we need to pray for all those in distress that they will get the help they need from God for he is the best healer we have,and only he can heal the broken heart and mend the spirit. I thank God for people who do not judge but have empathy for all those in pain.(God hates the sin but loves the sinner) because he is all merciful and forgiving.I pray Doctors are blessed in there decisions on how to treat depression,for the welfare of all. And that people will try to be more understanding on the issues of suicide. It can happen in any family. In his love NancyPsalms 86

 

[ralphinal]

In order for something to be a mortal sin and send us to hell, there are three conditions.

First, it must be serious matter. Killing a human is always serious matter. Suicide falls into this catagory.

Second, we must KNOW that it is a serious violation of God’s law. This one is a little harder. There are reasons that a person may not see suicide as being the same as the killing of another. Even with a properly formed conscience, other issues may change the understanding.

Third, the person must freely and willfully choose the act. This tends to be where suicidal people fail the test. A mental or emotional defect or some other state may change the culpability of the act.

I think it was St. Thomas Aquinas who said redemption can be found between the bridge and the water. This is true. Even if the death is instantanious, do not doubt the mercy of God or the willingness GOd has to see through the issues that the person has.

 

[nancy_dalrymple]

In order for something to be a mortal sin and send us to hell, there are three conditions.

First, it must be serious matter. Killing a human is always serious matter. Suicide falls into this catagory.

Second, we must KNOW that it is a serious violation of God’s law. This one is a little harder. There are reasons that a person may not see suicide as being the same as the killing of another. Even with a properly formed conscience, other issues may change the understanding.

Third, the person must freely and willfully choose the act. This tends to be where suicidal people fail the test. A mental or emotional defect or some other state may change the culpability of the act.

I think it was St. Thomas Aquinas who said redemption can be found between the bridge and the water. This is true. Even if the death is instantanious, do not doubt the mercy of God or the willingness GOd has to see through the issues that the person has.

I agree,and God bless you, Love of Christ Nancy