Is Suicide A Sin If You’re A Theist (or Just Plain Wrong If You’re An Atheist)?
I'm aware that killing yourself is considered a sin - in some societies at least at some points in human history. Yet even today a suicide bomber is considered a hero bound for a heavenly paradise. There's the entire concept of martyrdom that's held sway many times in many cultures. You perhaps throw yourself on a live hand grenade in order to save the lives of your colleagues. What about the concept of "Death with Dignity"? Surely if you were elderly and in constant pain and had no quality of life and no quality of life to be expected in the future you might want to end it all prematurely. It's considered a mercy to put down a pet that is suffering with no hope of remission rather than let it continue to suffer. I've had to go down that track more times than I care to think of, but that's what you have to be prepared to do if you own a pet. Just saying suicide is a sin isn't anywhere near as cut and dried as many theists make out. I can imagine that some theists could find themselves in circumstances beyond their control where suicide might be the lesser of two unpleasant alternatives.
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.Christianity needs a suicide taboo because they don't want it becoming a suicide cult. Dead people don't put money in the offering plate. If you really think you're headed for heaven then why not cut to the chase and exit this vale of tears sooner rather than later?
On the other hand if you think this life is all there is and after that it's curtains, you might want to make the most of it on the one hand ... and be free to stop having new experiences when they are too painful -- maybe because cancer is eating away at you and there's no cure, say.
mordant
Level 8
Feb 9, 2019
1
@johnprytz In the main, yes, because in modern Protestant Christianity, the faux value proposition of eternal life is an abstract, long-term incentive. In the meantime you're aware that you can still get run over by a bus, and survive to experience years of painful rehabilitation, so yes, you're careful.
Christianity's more cultish aberrations push eternal life too much with too few caveats such as suicide taboos, though, and these have been known to get into suicide cult territory (Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, some of the smaller, usually family-sized nutter groups who proclaim themselves sovereign, independent states and end up in stand-offs with the FBI, etc). There were sects as far back as the earliest centuries of Christianity who had a suicide problem, especially if you classify martyrdom as suicide (Christians, of course, bristle at that classification, although even they will say that actively seeking martyrdom is suicide, and this did happen in the early church). [slate.com]
Donatists taught that death "for the cause" was holy, etc.
I think that suicide can be a rational and honorable choice. I wish that there were a better way to do it without having to be found by a loved one, or risking permanent serious injury, for example in a doctor's office.
Stephanie99
Level 8
Feb 9, 2019
1
A person can have a God concept without believing in sin. IMO there’s no such thing as sin, only mistakes.
As you point out, in some circumstances suicide is a manifestation of courage and empathy. In most cases I think suicide represents defeat and lack of awareness. Each second of conscious awareness is a precious gem, to be savored. IMO if a person is unhappy and aggrieved by life it is because of untrue thoughts running wild in his head.
Suicide often has a very adverse effect on friends and family members.
WilliamFleming
Level 8
Feb 9, 2019
0
@johnprytz Yes, I agree that there are situations where it might be time to move on.
Of course it’s a personal decision.
Offering ones perspective on the issue is not the same thing as co-opting anyone’s rights. I will always advocate for hope, Joy and appreciation for life if possible.
I myself have given some thought to the idea of staging a dramatic and joyous exit via self-cremation when the end is near if I am able to. I try not to make negative judgments on what people do, but urging unhappy people to stay alive seems almost like a duty.
Complex question, with a lot of different answers.
I think the terminology does not help, martyrs, suicide-bombers, laying down ones life for others and terminally ill/zero quality of life wanting it to end, should not be all classed together. There should be clearly different terms for each, legally and socially.
As far as sin is concerned, I consider it a moral sin and selfish to take your own life unless you quality of life is zero (physically).
GothRik
Level 7
Feb 9, 2019
0
@johnpry The point I was making is, if you are fit and healthy.
Definitely NOT a sin.
Suicide is a personal choice...but, having said that, it needs to be made in a rational manner -- i.e. when faced with terminal illness or unsurmountable odds.....or just as an end to prolonged misery of any sort.
SkotlandSkye
Level 8
Feb 9, 2019
0
Of course I don't believe in sin but I also don't believe that suicide is "plain wrong". The act of suicide in itself is not wrong at all in my opinion. Everybody should have the right over their own body. But you also have to consider the consequences this action might have. A lot of people might be very sad or at least will have to clean up a big mess if you make that choice. I guess in all but a few cases suicide is not the best option, but everybody has to decide for themselves.
Dietl
Level 7
Feb 9, 2019
2
It is a final solution to what is often a temporary problem. Having attended 4 suicides and many many attempts, my experience is that the vast majority want a change to their current situation rather than to no longer exist. My view is that suicide is wrong as we do not live in isolation. Someone's end will always affect someone else. A
Amisja
Level 8
Feb 9, 2019
3
@Amisja Unless you're diagnosed with terminal illness, it's not a temporary problem.
@SleeplessInTexas Thats a different matter
@johnprytz That isn't even slightly my point. I have 'met' people online who have influenced me greatly. Their loss, although not from meeting them physically, was still sad to me. As my life ends their memory may end but that is a natural end. I do not believe in god but I believe that human beings are the entire source of goodness, ingenuity, scientific endeavour and hope for the future. As such, each one of us matters. Other creatures bring us love and some may pine our passing but it is humankind that will ensure the future for the entire planet. I would miss you John and your very long intellectual posts. You have made a small affect on my life. That accounts for something.
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