Bible Question

[DiscoBerry]

Does the bible say anything specific about suicide?

[Star Cluster]

Not that I'm aware of.  There are several verses that Christians use to say suicide is a sin such as:

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11)

and

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

There are a few others, but these are two that are used to dissuade someone from committing suicide.

But your inquiry begs the question; Is there something we need to know or are you just asking a general question.

[Smurfette Principle]

"Thou shalt not kill" is usually interpreted to include suicide, and in the views of the Catholic church, suicide is an instant way to Hell because you're circumventing God's plan.

And I second Star Cluster's question.

[Yaezakura]

"Thou shalt not kill" is usually interpreted to include suicide, and in the views of the Catholic church, suicide is an instant way to Hell because you're circumventing God's plan.

And I second Star Cluster's question.

I think it's worth pointing out that the Catholic stance on suicide is relatively recent, a response to a massive swelling of suicides caused by people wanting to reach heaven as soon as possible. Since you can't bilk money out of dead people, the Church decreed suicide an instant gate to hell to preserve their source of income.

The Bible itself never addresses suicide.

[Distind]

I think it's worth pointing out that the Catholic stance on suicide is relatively recent, a response to a massive swelling of suicides caused by people wanting to reach heaven as soon as possible. Since you can't bilk money out of dead people, the Church decreed suicide an instant gate to hell to preserve their source of income.

Is there an incident name or some reference I can start digging into this one on? I'm curious and would like to read up a bit.

[Yaezakura]

Is there an incident name or some reference I can start digging into this one on? I'm curious and would like to read up a bit.

I actually seem to be having trouble finding any relative stories about the development of the modern Catholic stance on suicide. But I feel it's worth mentioning that the Catechism of the Church states "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." Obviously, their own established doctrine isn't being recognized with their modern stance of suicide being instant hell.

[DiscoBerry]

Is there an incident name or some reference I can start digging into this one on? I'm curious and would like to read up a bit.

I actually seem to be having trouble finding any relative stories about the development of the modern Catholic stance on suicide. But I feel it's worth mentioning that the Catechism of the Church states "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." Obviously, their own established doctrine isn't being recognized with their modern stance of suicide being instant hell.

I believe that since Vatican 2, it is no longer an automatic ticket due to mental illness...and for a while before that you had to spend a shitload of time in purgatory.

[Meshakhad]

Jewish law forbids suicide, although those who were of unsound mind (ie, most of them) get a pass.

[Yla]

I think it's worth pointing out that the Catholic stance on suicide is relatively recent, a response to a massive swelling of suicides caused by people wanting to reach heaven as soon as possible. Since you can't bilk money out of dead people, the Church decreed suicide an instant gate to hell to preserve their source of income.

The idea that the church doesn't want people committing suicide out of essentially compassion and philantropy is preposterous, of course. [/sarcasm]

On topic, the church was condemning suicide at least since the Werther fever 1774.

[Yaezakura]

I think it's worth pointing out that the Catholic stance on suicide is relatively recent, a response to a massive swelling of suicides caused by people wanting to reach heaven as soon as possible. Since you can't bilk money out of dead people, the Church decreed suicide an instant gate to hell to preserve their source of income.

The idea that the church doesn't want people committing suicide out of essentially compassion and philantropy is preposterous, of course. [/sarcasm]

On topic, the church was condemning suicide at least since the Werther fever 1774.

Just as preposterous as the idea that the church would harbor child-rapists and try to excuse their actions for decades, if not centuries. [/sarcasm]

[Yla]

I think it's worth pointing out that the Catholic stance on suicide is relatively recent, a response to a massive swelling of suicides caused by people wanting to reach heaven as soon as possible. Since you can't bilk money out of dead people, the Church decreed suicide an instant gate to hell to preserve their source of income.

The idea that the church doesn't want people committing suicide out of essentially compassion and philantropy is preposterous, of course. [/sarcasm]

On topic, the church was condemning suicide at least since the Werther fever 1774.

Just as preposterous as the idea that the church would harbor child-rapists and try to excuse their actions for decades, if not centuries. [/sarcasm]

Indeed.

[MadCatTLX]

I second others concerns about why your asking this. You never answered the question. Out of concern and having spent 6 months in a mental institution for suicidal thoughts I have to say it's a little strange that you ask this out of the blue.