Every year, close to 800,000 people die by suicide around the world according to the World Health Organization. For those left behind – friends, family members, loved ones – the grief and pain are compounded by questions about the eternal fate of the one who took their own life.
Does God forgive suicide? It’s a heavy topic, but an important one to address with compassion.
The Biblical View on Suicide
In the Bible, there are several mentions of suicide, though the circumstances vary. Some examples include Samson (Judges 16), King Saul and his armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17), Zimri (1 Kings 16), and Judas (Matthew 27). However, the Bible does not explicitly state whether suicide is an unforgivable sin.
Many Christian scholars point to Ezekiel 18:32 which states, “For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord God. So turn yourselves back and live!” as evidence that God values life and does not desire death, including death by suicide.
Father Ronald Rolheiser, a Catholic priest and member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, stated: “Jesus’ fundamental message was about the unconditional love of God… God’s love is radically unbounded, underserved, unmerited, unconditional.” This perspective suggests God’s forgiveness extends even to those who take their own life.
Mental Health and Suicide
It’s crucial to understand that over 90% of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, according to research from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and others can profoundly distort thinking and perception of reality.
As Rev. Talmadge D. Walker wrote for the United Church of Christ, “Suicide is not a choice made by a mentally well person… It is the choice made by someone who is extremely mentally and emotionally ill.”
Religious Views
Christian Denominations
While there is no definitive biblical stance, Christian denominations have varying views:
- The Catholic Church condemns suicide as a grave sin but states “by ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance” even to those who have taken their own life.
- Most Protestant denominations lean toward the belief that since Christ died for all sins, even suicide can be forgiven by God’s grace.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) opposes suicide but does not definitively condemn it as an unforgivable sin.
Other Faiths
- In Islam, suicide is considered haraam (forbidden) yet it is still possible for God to forgive if the person was not in the right state of mind.
- Hinduism teaches suicide is never justified except by meeting certain stringent conditions outlined in ancient scriptures. It may view suicide as disrupting the cycle of reincarnation.
- Judaism strongly prohibits suicide historically, but modern views lean toward not condemning those who take their life when impacted by conditions like depression.
Data on Religion and Suicide Rates According to a 2016 study published in JAMA Psychiatry reviewing 59 studies across multiple countries, religious service attendance is linked to lower suicide rates. However, it’s difficult to generalize due to the variety of religious and cultural contexts represented.
In the United States:
- Atheists had a suicide rate of 0.49 per 100,000 according to a 2004 analysis by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Protestants had a rate of 0.67 suicides per 100,000 people.
- Catholics had a rate of 0.88 suicides per 100,000.
These differences may be attributable to factors like socioeconomic status or mental health rather than strictly religious belief. More research is needed in this nuanced area.
A Compassionate Perspective
For many grieving a loved one lost to suicide, the question of forgiveness and where the deceased’s soul has gone is extremely painful and personal. Opinions from religious leaders and data on suicide rates don’t provide a definitive, universal answer.
From a compassionate viewpoint, it’s crucial to avoid judgement and condemnation of those who took their own life due to mental anguish, trauma, or despair. As Rev. Talbot Davis III said, “God is merciful. God does forgive suicide.” This perspective prioritizes a loving, forgiving view of God over strict dogmatic rules.
At the same time, conversations around suicide should be approached with sensitivity, providing mental health resources, and avoiding glorification. The focus can be on supporting those struggling, removing stigma, and creating a society of empathy, compassion and connection – qualities that may help prevent further suffering.
