• Hey Guest,

    If you want to donate, we have a thread with updated donation options here at this link: About Donations

J

Johnjohn1

Student
Nov 7, 2020
194
I suffered a severe adverse reaction to Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic that damage my nerves and tendons resulting in 24/7 severe neuropathy. I also have some central nervous system damage from the antibiotic and have Lyme disease as well.

I am Catholic and I'm scared about committing suicide. I have heard and read that the Bible says that it is an unforgivable sin to commit suicide. But I also read somewhere where it's not entirely true and that the Bible is ambiguous on this subject. I don't think God would expect somebody in my shoes to keep going on day after day. I am scared though of going to hell possibly. Are there any biblical people here that could provide some comfort? I would appreciate it! I hope God is merciful for us as we all have some major life challenges here in this group. Thank you.
 
Greenberg

Greenberg

nitrogenexit.blogspot.com
Jun 28, 2020
1,063
I suffered a severe adverse reaction to Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic that damage my nerves and tendons resulting in 24/7 severe neuropathy. I also have some central nervous system damage from the antibiotic and have Lyme disease as well.

I am Catholic and I'm scared about committing suicide. I have heard and read that the Bible says that it is an unforgivable sin to commit suicide. But I also read somewhere where it's not entirely true and that the Bible is ambiguous on this subject. I don't think God would expect somebody in my shoes to keep going on day after day. I am scared though of going to hell possibly. Are there any biblical people here that could provide some comfort? I would appreciate it! I hope God is merciful for us as we all have some major life challenges here in this group. Thank you.
If you choose to believe, your suffering may be comparable to Lot's; otherwise, you have the freedom to be or not be.
 
J

Johnjohn1

Student
Nov 7, 2020
194
So are you looking for an answer or 1000 different opinions with you picking the ones you like? It seems that for something so important, you would look and decide for yourself.
Please don't be so angry at my comment. I am not the most knowledgeable person on the Bible so I was simply asking and seeking other people's opinions. That's all. Thank you.
 
W

Wisdom3_1-9

he/him/his
Jul 19, 2020
1,955
The list of things the Bible leaves ambiguous is approximately seven million times longer than the list of things it makes clear. And I say this as a person who attended Catholic school, taught at Catholic school, and became a professor at a Catholic university.

While the Bible doesn't offer clarity on this, the Catholic Catechism might help you. Here's a previous post of mine where I expounded on Catholic teaching on suicide:
https://sanctioned-suicide.net/thre...cide-do-they-end-up-in-hell.44797/post-813304

Full Disclaimer: While I still consider myself Catholic, I don't agree with the official teachings on suicide. Then again, I am a married gay man, so the Catholic Church probably doesn't want to claim me anyway.
 
J

justsad&done

Visionary
Nov 11, 2020
2,804
Many Christians believe that Christ's sacrifice covers every sin committed - which would include suicide. And that God's grace and mercy are beyond human understanding.
The reality is that nobody can know for sure if there's truth to that or not. And since everyone has different beliefs and backgrounds, any place you look whether here on SS or by googling or chatting with people around you, opinions will differ.
If you are trying to find comfort - then I would find comfort in the Christian belief that God is loving and merciful to all who believe in Him.
 
S

Spitfire

Enlightened
Apr 26, 2020
1,274
I think bible scripture is full of ambiguity and abstract symbolism, but I always felt comfortable with the exactness and clarity in seeing;

Gods will is to save all of mankind and Gods will shall be done, like how it clearly says.
 
virginiawoolf86

virginiawoolf86

Specialist
Jul 4, 2020
317
Many Christians believe that Christ's sacrifice covers every sin committed - which would include suicide. And that God's grace and mercy are beyond human understanding.
The reality is that nobody can know for sure if there's truth to that or not. And since everyone has different beliefs and backgrounds, any place you look whether here on SS or by googling or chatting with people around you, opinions will differ.
If you are trying to find comfort - then I would find comfort in the Christian belief that God is loving and merciful to all who believe in Him.
I agree with this logic. When I was first really struggling with the idea of suicide and hell, I sought out the Bible to see where it said anything about eternal damnation for said act. We're taught that God is all forgiving, that all our sins have been paid for, even the ones we haven't acted upon. Even though, we're taught otherwise by clergy, I like to think that there's a case for salvation with suicide. There's actually some videos and stories on IG on the subject, even some of clergymen/highly religious folk who CTB. My thought is that if they still decided to CTB knowing what they know, then they must've come to the same conclusion that God will forgive them and love them always.

That being said, I'm conflicted. But my suffering is so great that I'd like to think that a higher power would understand my actions and not damn me for taking things into my own hands.
 
  • Hugs
Reactions: justsad&done
S

Southwinds

Member
Dec 1, 2019
21
The Bible is chock full of contradictions. The bible was written by a bunch of white guys.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bigpink
Zhontafly

Zhontafly

Student
Jul 16, 2020
182
The vicious jealous god of the bible killed countless numbers of people in that ridiculous story book. I think you should be fine as this god should then be ok with you taking one life, your own.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Bigpink
J

justsad&done

Visionary
Nov 11, 2020
2,804
I agree with this logic. When I was first really struggling with the idea of suicide and hell, I sought out the Bible to see where it said anything about eternal damnation for said act. We're taught that God is all forgiving, that all our sins have been paid for, even the ones we haven't acted upon. Even though, we're taught otherwise by clergy, I like to think that there's a case for salvation with suicide. There's actually some videos and stories on IG on the subject, even some of clergymen/highly religious folk who CTB. My thought is that if they still decided to CTB knowing what they know, then they must've come to the same conclusion that God will forgive them and love them always.

That being said, I'm conflicted. But my suffering is so great that I'd like to think that a higher power would understand my actions and not damn me for taking things into my own hands.
And I think what you're saying is exactly part of the reason many Christians are conflicted with this subject. A loving and forgiving God would understand the level of suffering and would not condemn one for wanting to end said suffering.
Bible verses can be used as examples in both directions - suicide being unforgivable and all sins being forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice. But I think everyone has a right to find comfort and reassurance wherever they can. :hug:
 
J

Johnjohn1

Student
Nov 7, 2020
194
Many Christians believe that Christ's sacrifice covers every sin committed - which would include suicide. And that God's grace and mercy are beyond human understanding.
The reality is that nobody can know for sure if there's truth to that or not. And since everyone has different beliefs and backgrounds, any place you look whether here on SS or by googling or chatting with people around you, opinions will differ.
If you are trying to find comfort - then I would find comfort in the Christian belief that God is loving and merciful to all who believe in Him.
Thank you very much for your reply. Yes I am trying to find comfort and I really appreciate your articulate reply to my question. I definitely need comfort as I am really struggling and I hope with my severe health issues that God would not punish me to hell as nobody could live long-term with the pain and neurological damage I have from Levaquin and Lyme disease. Thanks again so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it
And I think what you're saying is exactly part of the reason many Christians are conflicted with this subject. A loving and forgiving God would understand the level of suffering and would not condemn one for wanting to end said suffering.
Bible verses can be used as examples in both directions - suicide being unforgivable and all sins being forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice. But I think everyone has a right to find comfort and reassurance wherever they can. :hug:
Thank you very much for your eloquent reply. You make a lot of good points. I really appreciate you taking the time to write a lengthy reply to my question. What you wrote above helps to comfort me and I definitely need comfort with my extreme health problems.
 
B

Bigpink

Warlock
Oct 12, 2020
704
To me any religious texts are creative fabrications, hope I'm not offending any folk.
Do what thou will I guess.
 
L

Life sucks

Visionary
Apr 18, 2018
2,136
Natural languages are inherently ambiguous
 
OnlyTheWind

OnlyTheWind

Serena / Meatball head
Aug 29, 2020
963
There is nothing in scripture that condemns suicide. In fact, I think the whole idea of it being a "sin" is entirely in the minds of the misled who don't even know their own religious history. Lets suppose for the sake of this thread that God did indeed create man with free will; who then are religionists to tell others which choices are permissable and which aren't? Expressing ones view is within reason, but if I have free will, then I am responsible for my actions and not answearable to some guy who thinks he is "saving" me.

Some Christian sects, like the Cathars, believed that the world was evil and was created by an evil false God and thought that bringing children into this world was a sin. They had no problem with suicide.

A very Gnostic belief, and one which I am partial to.
 
W

Wisdom3_1-9

he/him/his
Jul 19, 2020
1,955
But my suffering is so great that I'd like to think that a higher power would understand my actions and not damn me for taking things into my own hands.
I tend to agree with you. If the underlying message of Christianity is that God is love, then it doesn't make sense to me that God would punish those seeking comfort and relief from the pain of a cruel world.
The bible was written by a bunch of white guys.
Well, Middle Eastern men, to be fair.
And I think what you're saying is exactly part of the reason many Christians are conflicted with this subject. A loving and forgiving God would understand the level of suffering and would not condemn one for wanting to end said suffering.
Bible verses can be used as examples in both directions - suicide being unforgivable and all sins being forgiven because of Christ's sacrifice. But I think everyone has a right to find comfort and reassurance wherever they can. :hug:
Agreed. Well said.
To me any religious texts are creative fabrications, hope I'm not offending any folk.
Do what thou will I guess.
I understand that, and while much of the Bible is largely apocryphal rather than historical, I think there are many great spiritual truths to be learned — as is the case with several other religious texts, or even great works of fiction. Just because something isn't authentic doesn't mean that it isn't useful.

The world might not have been created in six days by an omnipotent and omniscient being, but the idea that all creation is connected and that we should be stewards for creation is a good message. This is just one example of many. I think there's a lot to be gleaned from religious texts regarding culture, value systems, etc, if people would stop being so fanatical about them.

There is nothing in scripture that condemns suicide. In fact, I think the whole idea of it being a "sin" is entirely in the minds of the misled who don't even know their own religious history. Lets suppose for the sake of this thread that God did indeed create man with free will; who then are religionists to tell others which choices are permissable and which aren't?
Technically, the fifth commandment does forbid it. While there isn't anything in scripture to condemn suicide specifically, there's a lot that supports the idea that life is a gift from God and that only God has the authority to grant it or take it away. This forms the basis for Christian beliefs regarding abortion, suicide, and euthanasia.

I struggle with the "free will" argument myself at times. My mom and I have this debate, since she always talks about "God's plan" which I think has irreconcilable conflicts with the concept of free will.
 
J

Johnjohn1

Student
Nov 7, 2020
194
I tend to agree with you. If the underlying message of Christianity is that God is love, then it doesn't make sense to me that God would punish those seeking comfort and relief from the pain of a cruel world.

Well, Middle Eastern men, to be fair.

Agreed. Well said.

I understand that, and while much of the Bible is largely apocryphal rather than historical, I think there are many great spiritual truths to be learned — as is the case with several other religious texts, or even great works of fiction. Just because something isn't authentic doesn't mean that it isn't useful.

The world might not have been created in six days by an omnipotent and omniscient being, but the idea that all creation is connected and that we should be stewards for creation is a good message. This is just one example of many. I think there's a lot to be gleaned from religious texts regarding culture, value systems, etc, if people would stop being so fanatical about them.


Technically, the fifth commandment does forbid it. While there isn't anything in scripture to condemn suicide specifically, there's a lot that supports the idea that life is a gift from God and that only God has the authority to grant it or take it away. This forms the basis for Christian beliefs regarding abortion, suicide, and euthanasia.

I struggle with the "free will" argument myself at times. My mom and I have this debate, since she always talks about "God's plan" which I think has irreconcilable conflicts with the concept of free will.
Unfortunately this is not what I was hoping to hear. I have severe burning neuropathy that is ongoing along with central nervous system damage. I know God knows how much I am suffering right now. I know in my heart that there is no way that I can keep continuing to persevere everyday and I would think God would think the same thing if he is a loving God
 
  • Hugs
Reactions: justsad&done
B

Buffy5120

Death is vital
Mar 19, 2020
614
I suffered a severe adverse reaction to Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic that damage my nerves and tendons resulting in 24/7 severe neuropathy. I also have some central nervous system damage from the antibiotic and have Lyme disease as well.

I am Catholic and I'm scared about committing suicide. I have heard and read that the Bible says that it is an unforgivable sin to commit suicide. But I also read somewhere where it's not entirely true and that the Bible is ambiguous on this subject. I don't think God would expect somebody in my shoes to keep going on day after day. I am scared though of going to hell possibly. Are there any biblical people here that could provide some comfort? I would appreciate it! I hope God is merciful for us as we all have some major life challenges here in this group. Thank you.
People kill murder and steal everyday. People sin without even knowing it. This is why Jesus came back to die so our sins can be forgiven and we can go to heaven when we leave this evil world.
 
Last edited:
A

Aap

Enlightened
Apr 26, 2020
1,856
I'm not being angry in the slightest. My point is for something you view as so important, why wouldn't you remedy your lack of knowledge?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spitfire
J

Johnjohn1

Student
Nov 7, 2020
194
Okay thanks. I understand. My pain makes it hard for me to concentrate plus I am on lots of pain medications that make my brain kind of fuzzy.
 
  • Hugs
Reactions: Spitfire
J

justsad&done

Visionary
Nov 11, 2020
2,804
Thank you very much for your reply. Yes I am trying to find comfort and I really appreciate your articulate reply to my question. I definitely need comfort as I am really struggling and I hope with my severe health issues that God would not punish me to hell as nobody could live long-term with the pain and neurological damage I have from Levaquin and Lyme disease. Thanks again so much for your thoughts! I really appreciate it

Thank you very much for your eloquent reply. You make a lot of good points. I really appreciate you taking the time to write a lengthy reply to my question. What you wrote above helps to comfort me and I definitely need comfort with my extreme health problems.
Sending you love, hugs, prayers and strength.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Spitfire
B

back2605

Member
Dec 22, 2020
9
I suffered a severe adverse reaction to Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic that damage my nerves and tendons resulting in 24/7 severe neuropathy. I also have some central nervous system damage from the antibiotic and have Lyme disease as well.

I am Catholic and I'm scared about committing suicide. I have heard and read that the Bible says that it is an unforgivable sin to commit suicide. But I also read somewhere where it's not entirely true and that the Bible is ambiguous on this subject. I don't think God would expect somebody in my shoes to keep going on day after day. I am scared though of going to hell possibly. Are there any biblical people here that could provide some comfort? I would appreciate it! I hope God is merciful for us as we all have some major life challenges here in this group. Thank you.

Hello Johjohn1
I have been reading these forums for over a half year. Finally decided to make an account to post here since our medical situations and religious worry are so similar. I too hope for understanding and mercy from God. I have thought about this issue for a long time and discussed with people including religious leaders I know. For what it's worth this article sums up what I have come to believe...

 
Didymus

Didymus

Clutching at invisible straws
Dec 11, 2018
347
I suffered a severe adverse reaction to Levaquin, a powerful antibiotic that damage my nerves and tendons resulting in 24/7 severe neuropathy. I also have some central nervous system damage from the antibiotic and have Lyme disease as well.

I am Catholic and I'm scared about committing suicide. I have heard and read that the Bible says that it is an unforgivable sin to commit suicide. But I also read somewhere where it's not entirely true and that the Bible is ambiguous on this subject. I don't think God would expect somebody in my shoes to keep going on day after day. I am scared though of going to hell possibly. Are there any biblical people here that could provide some comfort? I would appreciate it! I hope God is merciful for us as we all have some major life challenges here in this group. Thank you.

If you are a Christian know Romans 10:9 "If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

You don't have to listen to anyone else.

BTW, i'm not yet Christian
 
ARW3N

ARW3N

Melancholia
Dec 25, 2019
366
The Bible is an ancient text, nothing more, and the ancients were never consistent about suicide. Suicide, for example, was a laudable act among the ancient Romans and Japanese samurai before being criminalised by the Catholics. Now it's become decriminalised. Even the modern coroner's court which presides over suicides is contradictory because suicides are not in attendance in court. To all intents and purposes, suicide is indeed a permanent solution to all of life's ills. Isn't it that which grates modern sensibilities so much?
 

Similar threads

N
Replies
6
Views
157
Offtopic
R_N
R_N
N
Replies
5
Views
185
Offtopic
noname223
N
N
Replies
5
Views
248
Offtopic
Suicidebydeath
Suicidebydeath
druggedonsurvival
Replies
7
Views
234
Politics & Philosophy
333s
333s