There is a strong taboo among Christians, in acknowledging that even faithful Christians can struggle with suicidal feelings. This makes it hard for people to seek help from pastors and Christian counsellors, because their suicidal feelings are taken as evidence that they are not truly devoted to their faith.
One lovely lady in our Church committed suicide nine years ago. Her public image was that of a perfect wife and mother, and a devoted believer who was in the Church choir. Subjects like this are very difficult to talk about.
Suicide is not always about emotions.
Christians are not immune to depression. The much lauded preacher, Charles Spurgeon, apparently had many deep episodes. Not suicidal though as far as I know.
That said Christians have a hope and a Comforter, and we all must preach the gospel to ourselves daily, as it were, reminding ourselves of God’s presence, mercy and sovereignty.
Also taking care to remind our fellow believers of the same thing. Just having a friend tell me, “God will take care of you,” when expressing a serious problem, is a reassuring reminder.
Christian despair. There is the temptation at the Garden of Gethsemane. Something that tried even Jesus. Some, weaker or more weakened, succumb to the terrible seduction of despair.
“Stay and pray with me.”
Do not sleep, when your brother or sister is in extremis.
Christians suffer more than those who ignore religious matters as a general rule. Why? Satan despises Christians and will torment them to try to get them to repudiate their faith.
So, if you find a Christian who has committed suicide, it is due to pain.
Ministers are often attacked through their children.
He certainly could not be faulted for attempting to take his own life. He was in constant combat with some hideous demons.
It seems weird that a Christian would be more worried about his image with a Pastor or Priest, than he would be about seeking help before he does such a heinous thing.
Faith in Jesus says that He will care for us and that all things work together for good to them that serve Him. Wouldn’t suicide indicate a lack of faith? Faith in Christ is what makes one a Christian. If one lacks that faith can they ba called a Christian?
I sat still on a stone by the river's side feeling as miserable as I ever felt in my life. Hitherto it had not occurred to me to doubt the intentions of the Solid People, nor to question the essential goodness of their country even if it were a country which I could not long inhabit. It had indeed once crossed my mind that if these Solid People were as benevolent as I had heard one or two of them claim to be, they might have done something to help the inhabitants of the Town-something more than meeting them on the plain. Now a terrible explanation came into my mind. How if they had never meant to do us good at all? How if this whole trip were allowed the Ghosts merely to mock them? Horrible myths and doctrines stirred in my memory. I thought how the Gods had punished Tantalus. I thought of the place in the Book of Revelation where it says that the smoke of Hell goes up forever in the sight of the blessed spirits. I remembered how poor Cowper, dreaming that he was not after all doomed to perdition, at once knew the dream to be false and said, "These are the sharpest arrows in His quiver."
Ping to a thought provoking subject.
Philippians 1
21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! 23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; 24 but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
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I’ve heard it argued that Paul was vocally discussing suicide.
If anyone wants a link to the sermon I'll find it.
William Cowper was a much greater figure than John Newton.
I don’t see suicide being different from any other sin Christians regularly commit. If they were saved by grace, what does it matter? They’ll just have an unforgiven sin they have to account for on judgement day.
My opinion and that's all it is, is that God gave us the gift of life and to end it prematurely is against His wishes.
If you are suffering pain from end stage cancer, I don't know what to think, would He want you to suffer or is it a bad idea to take things into your own hands playing God?
I would no more condemn someone who in deepest depression does a very drastic and horrid act too themselves for being able to stop themselves than I would saying a paralyzed persons lack of faith keeps them in a wheelchair. They need qualified help and prayers. I would beg them too get help.
I have never understood how any church could automatically label someone who took their life as going too hell for betraying their faith or betraying GOD. Only one man walked the perfect walk. Through that one man our sins for those who call on His name and believed are saved.
Many churches from all walks have some legalistic zealots who possess religion but lack any true compassion and love our Lord asked us to show and showed us.
Interesting topic, and the timing is perfect. This is something I have been contemplating for quite some time. I’ve not told anyone, and I won’t, but I don’t know any of you people so what the heck... The only reason I have not done this yet is because of my religious beliefs, I know that there would be hell to pay, but I’ll probably be going there anyway. I’ve found this thread to be very interesting, along with the comments. It’s strange that I came across this topic at this stage, could it be coincidence?
My cousin committed suicide a year ago this January. He was a pastor for decades and one of the most beloved individuals in his community. We estimated nearly 1000 people came to his wake and funeral. He touched more lives than most of us could imagine.
He also had two of the world’s rarest diseases at the same time and was on a battery of medication. One of his offspring is bipolar so it runs in the family. I saw him a month before he died, at his mother’s funeral, and he seemed well considering the circumstances.
We don’t know why he did it but between the medications and the stress he just snapped. It happened so sudden that even his wife couldn’t see it compulsive. It was almost impulsive the way he did it, like he wasn’t in control of himself.
It happens to the best of us. The brain can only take so many knocks before it falls to pieces, and anything is possible, even to the best Christians among us.