Augustine argued that suicide was a violation of the sixth commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13). Later, Thomas Aquinas, being catholic and believing that confession of sin must be made prior to departure from this world to the next, taught that suicide was the most fatal of all sins because the victim could not repent of it. The problem with his view is that it represents a misunderstanding of eternal security. One in which Scripture clearly teaches. We are saved by the grace of God, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9) and nothing can separate a Christian from the love of God (Romans 8:37-39).
After Myth Busters last night, I caught the beginning of a show called Stunt Junkies. The guys performing these stunts are clearly out of their minds, jumping over semi trailers on their quads while completing back sommersaults with these four-wheelers. Come on! It got me thinking that if they were to crash resulting in their death, would it be just like suicide? Even if they really didn't want to die, they are clearly tempting the fates. Knowing that their heedless abandon could very well lead to their end, yet continuing their recklessness.
We could take this thought even farther and suggest that people who smoke or drink or take drugs are really partaking in a long-term suicide. But that just sounds ridiculous, doesn't it? Or does it?
Opening the polls for opinions. The mind thinks of weird shit when it's awake in the middle of the night.
7 comments:
I would argue that suicide is not a sin at all, just a tragedy. People who are so desperate as to take their own lives are not in their right minds. I don't see how a merciful God could punish them eternally for a decision made out of such pain.
I could also argue insanity for the people on the stunt show, but that's a different sort!
You're as bad as me ... the other day I was wondering if a person is injured so badly that there's no hope for recovery - brain dead - only kept alive by machine - is it all just meat and mechanics now, or is their soul still in there? Trapped, because we aren't willing to let them go? Or, does the soul leave when the senses and the cognitive brain waves do?
Imponderables are fun. And maddening. ;)
More on topic, I've also often wondered what is so lacking in these goobers' lives that they need to fill it with such crazy thrill stuff. I mean, I'm a speed demon, but sheesh! Tempting fate that closely is crazy stuff.
I think that those who tempt fate with their life endangering stunts have an underlying death wish and God must take the crazies in after their demise because the were not able to think clearly. The same for those who commit suicide.....they are so messed up in their minds they aren't not able to think correctly or they wouldnt' commit suicide at all.
I agree with bainwen.....a merciful God would not punish them eternally for being mentally ill...He made us and understands us and loves us in spite of all our faults, illnesses and weaknesses.
And what are you doing up in the middle of the night?
What about people who are obese? Are they intentionally eating themselves to death?
It is something to ponder. I've never understood why people feel the "need" or "rush" to do such crazy and dangerous things. Our bodies are so very strong...our bodies are so very fragile. There is such a thin string holding us here, I believe that we should do all we can to take care of that. Life is too short the way it is...why rush it?
I agree with Bainwen,"suicide is a tradegy" . Sometimes life just overwhelms and forces you into this corner and that appears to be the only way to escape.
Good question for discussion. I'm late as usual, but I'm chiming in because I'm opinionated that way.
I don't think people who abuse substances or food are trying to kill themselves. Addiction and compulsive behaviors have underlying causes that are understandable. They are not necessarily character defects, but rather, symptoms. When people engage in these behaviors, they may appear to have a death-wish because their lives are out of control. The truth is, when they stop doing those things, they have a life-wish.
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