There're two descriptions of suicide in Bible. One is by Saul and the other is by Judas of Iscariote. Two examples represent most cases. Political or national leader who lost the war ends up in this act and those who lost all hopes and left only despair also do the same thing.
Recently we were amazed to hear one Catholic believer killed two people and committed suicide. I think some Christian church have taught those who killed himself cannot get a key for afterlife, though, I don't think there's direct reference in Bible that prohibits this act.
Have any suggestions ?
The Catholic church teaches that suiciders go to Hell - maybe. Nobody but God can know if they repented while they were dying, and if so they can be saved.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember any explicit prohibition of suicide in the Bible. It's an inference from statements like "only God has the right to take a life". Personally, I think He is quite understanding of despair.
One of Commandments " Thou shall NOT kill " If we kill ourselfs how can we get forgiveness from God ? We have to be in mortal body to repent . Maybe that's why people think we can't be forgiven if we kill ourselfs.Some people just give up . That is sad but I understand it.
ReplyDeleteThat's actually a poor translation. It really should be "thou shalt not murder." So then the question is whether suicide counts as "murder" of oneself. It could be reasonably argued either way, so in the end that clarification doesn't really get us any further...
ReplyDeleteThat's what I'm saying: it's an inference.
ReplyDeleteThat the for many centuries only existing church denied suiciders a grave in consecrated soil while blessing soldiers on their way to war is just - one of those things, I guess. :-(
Do you read Hebrew, Edward?
ReplyDeleteNo, but I have conversed over the years with those who do - in my hometown even there was a significant jewish population, many of whom spoke hebrew.
ReplyDeleteOh, sh--; I thought I could ask you about grammar and stuff. Maybe I can if you're still in touch with them.
ReplyDeleteWhat exactly is the difference between killing and murder, that murder is planned while killing may be an accident? Or killing in war, or like Samson did (repulsive person), is okay; it's not murder because the enemy isn't really human?
If murder is planned killing of a member of your in-group, then suicide is murder - or isn't it? Rather a difficult question.
Thanks. Jesuit society in 16c taught killing yourself is forbidden. This dogma is so new to Japanese warriors since many samurai considered killing himself is virtue to show his faithfulness to master.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember any explicit prohibition of suicide in the Bible.
Many other religions taught giving up their lives are virtue. As you pointed out Catholic taught suicide is against God's will in spite of the fact that no explicit statement that forbade killing yourself can be found in Bible. Adhesion to life is very strong throughout Middle Ages in Catholic church. Peasants had been needed to be alive to offer labour power, hence basic economy to nobles, monks, king. Peasants were dead souls.
Application of one of the Commandments to Christian dogma is so suggestive, thanks!
ReplyDeleteWell said but as far as God understanding despair..I believe He would not condone taking ones life.
ReplyDeleteIn your desperate moment of despair I believe He would speak to your heart as at that time you might be able to hear Him.
That's true: in moments of despair, God speaks to our hearts. Apparently, though, some people don't hear.
ReplyDeleteI don't presume to set limits for God's forgiveness. If He has any, they are His secret.
Since I can understand and forgive a dear friend who chose to die (he suffered from a severe depression), I assume that God, whose love is perfect while mine isn't, can too. But I don't know, of course.