Project Description

2013/07

Suicide

Suicide is the act of voluntarily and deliberately killing oneself. The term comes from two Latin words, sui, meaning “self,” and caedere, meaning “to kill.”  Current statistics are disturbing, even frightening! Most developed countries in the Western world, including N Ireland, are witnessing a significant increase in suicide, notably among young men.

Is there anything in life more heart breaking? Suicide affects the individual concerned, but also family, friends, generations to come, leaving in its wake so many unanswered questions. There are no answers – only silence.  One pastor wrote of his emotions after his son, who suffered from manic depression, committed suicide on his 18th birthday. At times, he felt as if even heaven had fallen silent, such was the deep despair and the feelings of rejection he experienced.  A colleague had asked him to speak at a conference, but after his son’s suicide, the pastor did not hear from his associate again. He went on to quote Psalm 88:15-18, believing that he had entered into the same deep, lonely despondency.  

Faced with someone contemplating suicide, or with the family of someone who has taken his own life, we often remain silent, not knowing what to say. Some may prefer not to speak about this issue; but we must face it honestly, openly, sympathetically and biblically.

Scripture

Both Old and New Testaments contain precepts confirming that suicide is a morally reprehensible act on the part of a rational person. These are summarised by the Shorter Catechism (Answer 69): ‘The sixth commandment forbiddeth the taking away of our own life.’ (Cf Exodus 20:13)  Suicide is the individual’s attack upon the sovereignty of God.  Life belongs to God; He alone has the right to take it (Deuteronomy 32:39; Job 1:21).  While the Bible contains examples of suicides – all by men, Saul and his amour-bearer (1 Samuel 31:4-5), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), King Zimri (1 Kings 16:18-19) and Judas Iscariot (Matthew 27:5) – their ends were tragic, and God approved of none of them.  

Society

Historically, most societies have regarded suicide as wrong, even criminal. However, in some cultures with limited or no Christian influence, suicide is acceptable in the wake of social disgrace or as an attempt to atone for misconduct.

Today, the rising rate of suicide among young people reflects changing values in the moral and social fabric of our own culture. It is a symptom of departure from the Christian faith. Alcohol and drugs are often involved. Some recent studies link increase in male unemployment with the rise in suicide among men. Secular humanism, with its emphasis on “the right to die”, gives it a measure of acceptability and respectability.  Some even argue that suicide is a person’s right to self-determination.  The ‘no-God’ ideology and ‘no-ultimate-Judgment’ concept unquestionably encourage the act of suicide.

Sickness

The killing of one’s self with malice aforethought, while in the possession of a sound mind, is a heinous sin. It is certainly never a solution to one’s problems, for death is not the end – after death, there is the judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

However, we must also recognise that “many who commit suicide do so when they are so mentally unbalanced or deeply depressed that they are incapable of rational or logical thought.” (Dr Alan Cairns, Theological Dictionary). These need medical attention.  

Those who claim that depression is always caused by a spiritual problem – it can be – should consider the words of physician and preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Physical issues can produce depression. In such cases, depression is not primarily a spiritual issue but one of health or diet or rest. Memorizing a Bible verse, while always a good idea, won’t substitute for needed refreshment, nutrition, or other medical intervention.” Many who die by their own hand have a diagnosable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.

Sympathy

It is time to speak openly and sympathetically about depression and mental illness. Chemical imbalance in the brain may lead to clinical depression. So, to imply that resorting to medication is not ‘spiritual’ is not only nonsensical, but also cruel and arrogant. How many might have been prevented from taking their lives if only they had sought help? Perhaps some remained silent because they were fearful of the condemnation they believed would follow any admission of depressive or suicidal thoughts.

It is understandable that even Christian families, desiring to protect their children from any hurt or stigma, wish to keep quiet about mental illness. Others seek to maintain the facade of a perfect family. Some parents may feel that their child’s struggles are a judgment of God: ‘If only we had a stronger faith, this never would have happened.’ Many forget that Moses, Elijah and Jonah experienced depression so deep that each told God he wanted to die.

Families may also fear gossip and judgmental criticism. I have heard it said, ‘surely, anyone who takes his own life could not be in heaven’. Such an observation is not only insensitive; it also displays a basic misunderstanding of God’s grace and of a salvation that is eternal.

Support

May God enable us to be sensitive and supportive towards those who struggle with suicidal thoughts! We often sing the hymn ‘There is a fountain filled with blood’ yet forget that it was written in an asylum.  William Cowper’s friends had him committed after he had attempted suicide three times. All his adult life he battled with mental illness, yet the Lord used him to write great hymns (Others include ‘O For a closer Walk with God’, ‘What various hindrances we meet’ and ‘God moves in a mysterious way’). John Newton saved Cowper from suicide several times. He prayed with him and befriended him, often spending the dark morning hours seeking to calm him. Who knows what relief modern medication might have brought this suffering soul? God alone can interpret the mysteries surrounding his troubled spiritual pilgrimage and mental malady. But who, in Cowper’s condition, would not desire a pastor and friend like John Newton? We must all pray with the Psalmist, ‘LORD, make me to know …how frail I am’ (Psalm 39:4)

Encourage those with depressive thoughts to go to Christ for rest (Matthew 11:28). Urge them to talk with loved ones, their pastor, and doctor. If there is a potential suicide risk, seek professional help immediately. Do not delay. Those grieving the loss of a loved one as a result of suicide need prayer and sympathetic support. Above all, they require the reassurance of the Lord’s love and care.  

The Pastor I mentioned at the outset later testified,“ I’ve learned one thing. I believe I’ve met the worst and Jesus Christ is still sufficient” And so He is.

Rev. Ron Johnstone