Asking the clergy: How does your religion view suicide?
The Rev. Carol Wolff, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship at Stony Brook:
Suicide is a reality. It certainly is a part of human nature. We believe every person is responsible for his or her own actions. We don't seek to blame anyone for their actions. We have to respect their personal decision. UUs [Unitarian Universalists] believe we are punished by our "sins," not for them. In other words, anything you do that causes you to feel guilt or pain or remorse is enough - no one else has to exact a sentence to have you "pay for your sins."
But we are human, and we still are thrown by the shock of someone taking his or her own life. I have learned that this act is a deeply personal and anguished one that cannot be blamed on any one thing or person. We UUs believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person - including ourselves - so to commit suicide would be to violate that most central principle of our creedless way of faith. As a minister, I must respect everyone's right to live and die as they choose, and am here to help those left behind.
Rabbi Howard R. Buechler, Dix Hills Jewish Center:
Shadows are a natural aspect of life. In our daily routines and in the cycles of our lives, we have bright and beautiful moments as well as moments that can be sad, dark or even tragic. There are times when individuals are overwhelmed with darkness, despair and sadness and, for some, suicide becomes an avenue into the ultimate darkness of death.
The Jewish response to the increased numbers of suicides, especially among the student population, is to be ever alert and vigilant to see when people are in need and to respond swiftly and provide other avenues: pathways that affirm life. In Genesis (21:17), God hears the cry of a child and responds. This is the mission of humanity: to look, listen, see, hear and perceive the broken hearts and darkened souls of those around us. It is our mandate to immediately respond, reach out and guide those in their overwhelming moments into the embracing care of mental health / medical professionals and family and friends.
The only sin in suicide is when we, as a caring community, fail to hear the cry, pain and anguish of those in need.
When a suicide does occur, it is the role of the faith community to embrace the survivors with unconditional love and never to stigmatize the one who has taken their own life. The Bible teaches us to "safeguard our souls" and choose to cherish life at every moment. The ultimate mitzvah (good deed) is that in saving one life - one saves an entire world.
The Rev. Dennis A. Walker, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Commack:
Experts in the study of suicide identify from 10 to 15 different classes of suicides. It is not wise to think of suicide as a "singular" category. We ought to believe that God's grace can overcome any sin we might commit in life. And God could forgive even if we fail to repent perfectly before death.
We usually don't blame the victims of disease for being sick. "Diseases of the mind" may temporarily overcome people. The problem with suicide, of course, is that it is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. It's OK to admit we don't always know the full dimensions of a sin. Sometimes, all we can do is cry for God's mercy. If you or a neighbor have thoughts of suicide, do everything in your power to help yourself or the neighbor (or) move heaven and earth until you find someone who can.
Annette M. Eckart, ministry co-founder, Bridge for Peace Mission, Wading River:
I'm responding to this question not on a theological level, but on a personal level, as though asked by two individuals with different concerns: someone who is contemplating suicide and someone who is grieving because of suicide.
If you are contemplating suicide, don't do it. Jesus gives hope and power for living. Satan tempted Jesus Christ to throw Himself from the temple parapet. In other words, Jesus was tempted by a spirit of suicide. It's in the Bible. There is no shame in being tempted. Find a Christian who can help. Jesus came to give abundant life. If you're mourning a person who committed suicide, only Christ knows what happened in that person's soul at death. I can't say that they died in sin. That is between that person and Christ. Christians pray for others, especially at their hour of death. And prayer is effective. I find myself frequently speaking about suicide. May mental health workers do their job, and may we Christians do ours, ministering deliverance and healing with love.
