Suicide

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I've never posted here before but stumbled upon this site while looking for an answer to a question and was hoping that you could help. Someone asked me the other day if there was any bible passage that indicated that someone who committed suicide would NOT be sent to hell. I know that the Catechism says that it is possible for them to be saved "by ways known to him alone", but I need to find an actual bible verse. Thanks for the help -Zach

-- Zach (zach@mailinator.com), February 03, 2004

Answers

Subject: SUICIDE

-- zach (zach@mailinator.com), February 03, 2004.

Hi ZAch

It is wrong to judge the heart of another person solely on the basis of his actions. It may well be that some people do bad things, but they are not free when they do them -- such as when people act out of a compulsion rooted in an illness of some kind. We trust that God, who alone can search hearts, understands what was going on in a mind tortured by depression. The Church does not presume to know their fates after death, the Church has never condemned a particular person to hell, not even Judas; rather, the Church leaves ALL judgment to God. Im trying to find a relevant verse, Im not too flash on scripture, someone will find something to help you.

This was the best I could find:

“The hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear [the Father’s] voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29).

The real issue here, is what we do with the freedom God has given us. The Gospel of Luke puts it this way:

"When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been given."

That is why it is not for us to pass judgment on others, for we do not really know the level of freedom out of which their actions -- even their evil ones-have sprung.

Whether “most” people will go to Heaven is unclear and a matter of great debate with earlier theologians believing that relatively few are saved but today there is a more optimisitc view of salvation being expressed by many.

Hope that helps

Blessings

-- kiwi (csisherwood@hotmail.com), February 04, 2004.


do not do it

-- muthuraman (snemut@yahoo.com), February 07, 2004.

muthuraman, I admire your brevity and you make a good point. Giving up is never the answer. Life is too meaningful and purposeful if you only understand it and experience it to the fullest.

Zach, if you asked the question because you are contemplating suicide please get help. Contact your priest, or any priest for that matter, and let him know how you feel. There are people out there who care and can help you see this thing through.

I found this little prayer I’d like to share with you all (I have altered it slightly) that was inspired by the Book of Tobit and someone’s personal experience:

FOR THOSE CONTEMPLATING SUICIDE

Holy Archangel Raphael, appointed by God to guide, protect and heal, I entrust to you all people who at this moment are contemplating suicide.

You guided young Tobias on his journey and protected him from the spirit of death which sought to destroy his life. I ask you to protect all people from the road which leads to physical and spiritual death, especially those in most danger of despair and suicide.

Just as you lead Tobias by the hand, lead them away from sadness, to peace and joy. O Holy Raphael, whose name means, "God has healed," bring them the Lord's healing.

Lord God, hear the prayer I make together with your faithful servant Raphael. Amen.

-- Ed (catholic4444@yahoo.ca), February 07, 2004.


What is it that some people drive to commit suicide ?? __ What's the main reason ?? __ What & why , in other words ??

I have someone seeing trying to commit suicide (on a concert (rope)) and believe me , it's not a nice thing to see , the girls'boyfriend had commit suicide , a few months before !! __ Luckly , she's saved and she has back a regular normal live with a another guy !!

Salut & Cheers from a NON BELIEVER:

-- Laurent LUG (.@...), February 07, 2004.



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