Spirituality
30 Nov 15
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by wolfgang59I suspect some have chosen not to commit suicide because they believe it to be a sin. Certainly those that preach that it is a sin do so primarily to discourage people from committing suicide.
But I'm sure anyone about to commit suicide doesn't consider if it's against any law or not.
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by divegeesterI would say that it depends on the situation. As always Christ will judge. There is no Biblical support for the claim that some make that all suicide is a sin.
thoughts?
An interesting case is the Siege of Masada where about 1000 Jews committed suicide as the situation was hopeless and to have fallen into the hands of the Romans would have been worse.
01 Dec 15
2 edits
Originally posted by DeepThoughtI think you may have wrapped up a good question in a misunderstanding about my reply to twhitehead and your interpretation of my profile.
Isn't that simply an argument for breaking any commandment? That we can do something doesn't mean we should do something. In the case of suicide I can think of circumstances where most humans wouldn't judge it amiss - various medical scenarios, or hopeless situations where it really is the lesser of two evils for example the case of Guy Fawkes who leap ...[text shortened]... ven to distraction by the posters in these forums doesn't quite reach that level of desperation.
twhitehead's point is a good one to someone who believes that God pre-ordains absolutely everything. I don't believe that, I think, imagine, conceive (whichever you prefer), that we have at least to some extent, free will. I am also not convinced that suicide is a specific sin, and even if it is, as checkbaiter has suggested, then what are the consequences of committing that sin? Life is over, heaven awaits. Unless of course one believes that God deals with the weak and despairing of this world by casting them into hell. Of course if you are a Christian and commit suicide, then you lose your salvation.
As for my profile; it has nothing to do with this thread so please don't be concerned, I'm not thinking of topping myself due to my current weariness with some of the less attractive aspects of some posters 🙂
Edit: this thread was prompted by Grampy Bobby's controversial comments in the "Our ethical Creeds" Thread 166409 in the GF.
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by Rajk999I wasn't aware of that account, thanks.
I would say that it depends on the situation. As always Christ will judge. There is no Biblical support for the claim that some make that all suicide is a sin.
An interesting case is the Siege of Masada where about 1000 Jews committed suicide as the situation was hopeless and to have fallen into the hands of the Romans would have been worse.
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by twhiteheadYou may be correct, but I would think that suicide being a "sin" is in itself, not sufficient to stop someone who is severely depressed. It would at least need to be combined with the threat of going to hell. I wouldn't know though; if one is in such a fragile mental condition would faith in the church be of any use whatsoever.
I suspect some have chosen not to commit suicide because they believe it to be a sin. Certainly those that preach that it is a sin do so primarily to discourage people from committing suicide.
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by SuzianneAre you saying that you hold suicide to be a sin?
It's more a "not enduring through to the end" kind of a thing, I suppose.
So yeah, on second (or third) thought, not trusting God. I can see that angle.
If so can I ask you the same question; what are the consequences of that specific sin?
01 Dec 15
Originally posted by divegeesterThe death of King Saul as well, for all practical purposes can be considered a suicide as he asked one of his captains to kill him, as his situation was hopeless. Although he was not a perfect king in his ability to follow God, I'm pretty sure that his place in the Kingdom of God is certain as he was a chosen king by God himself.
I wasn't aware of that account, thanks.