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EQUIP Workshop Death, Dying, & Funerals March 25, 2015

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EQUIP Workshop Death, Dying, & Funerals March 25, 2015 EQUIP Workshop Death, Dying, & Funerals March 25, 2015 SUICIDE IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE David W. Jones, Ph.D. Introduction Definition: Suicide is to purposefully take one’s own life out of misdirected self-love. The term “suicide” was coined in 1651 and literally means “self” (sui) “to kill” (cide). There is a moral difference between volitional suicide and suicide due to psychological or physiological factors such as a chemical imbalance, clinical depression, an altered mental state, etc A distinction should be made between suicide and willful self-sacrifice of one’s own life. Examples of self-sacrifice include: military service, dying in defense of a friend (cf. John 15:13), ministering to the infectious sick, dangerous missions work (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7–18; 11:16–23). John 10:18—in regard to Jesus’ own self-sacrifice There are roughly 29,000 successful suicides in the United States each year; compared to 19,000 mur- ders and 13,000 AIDS related deaths. Roughly 500,000 people will attempt suicide each year. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 25. 72% of successful suicides are white males. Females are more likely to attempt suicide; however, males are four times more likely to suc- cessfully commit suicide. Suicide almost always occurs in response to suffering or anticipated suffering. Suffering could be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual in nature. Major reasons for suicide include: depression, financial trouble, dissolution of a relationship, a form of protest, sexual gender confusion, religious ritual, escape from punishment, and escape from pain. Some may wrongly argue that suicide ought to be allowed, as a right, if one’s body is viewed as one’s own property. The body is not our own (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19–20). As image bearers, human beings live in community. As such, suicide grieves those left behind, as well as producing guilt and strained relationships. Encouraging suicide communicates that there is no answer to despair and no comfort in afflic- tion. This is the opposite of what the gospel promises. SUICIDE IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE David W. Jones, Ph.D. Church History The Christian church has always viewed suicide as a grave sin. The church has viewed suicide to be the prime example of self-idolatry. The difference between suicide and other sins is that successful suicide allows no time for re- pentance. Early church councils denied Christian burial to those guilty of suicide. Southern Baptists have passed resolutions expressing concern about suicide in 1972, 1983, 1992, 1996, and 2001; yet, all of these statements are tangentially related to suicide, focusing upon things such as euthanasia, alcohol and drug use, and assisted suicide. Suicide in the Bible General Scripture references: Satan tempted Jesus to commit suicide (cf. Matt. 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11). The Philippian jailor purposed to commit suicide (cf. Acts 16:27–28). Some of God’s ministers, especially his prophets, became so frustrated with their ministry that they asked God to kill them, including: Moses (cf. Num. 11:12–15), Elijah (cf. 1 Ki. 19:4), and Jonah (cf. Jonah 4:1–11). During the Great Tribulation many will attempt to commit suicide, but will be unable to find death (cf. Rev. 9:6). Examples of suicide in the Bible: Saul (cf. 1 Sam. 31:1–6; 1 Chron. 10:4–5): suicide by falling on his sword once wounded. 1 Chron. 10:14 says that the Lord killed Saul. 2 Sam. 1:10 says an Amalekite killed Saul. 2 Sam. 21:12 says the Philistines killed Saul. Saul’s armor–bearer (cf. 1 Sam. 31:1–6; 1 Chron. 10:4–5): suicide by falling on his sword. Ahithophel (cf. 2 Sam. 17:23): counselor to David and Absalom, suicide by hanging when his advice was spurned. Zimri (cf. 1 Ki. 16:15–19): fifth king of Israel, suicide when deposed after a week by structural fire. Judas Iscariot (cf. Matt. 27:3–5; Acts 1:15–19): suicide by hanging after betrayal of Jesus. SUICIDE IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE David W. Jones, Ph.D. Disputed examples: Abimelech (Judg. 9:52–54): son of Gideon and sixth judge of Israel; killed by armor- bearer at his request once wounded. Perhaps an example of assisted suicide Samson (cf. Judg. 16:23–31): thirteenth and final judge of Israel; suicide by building collapse. Cited as a hero of faith in Hebrews 11:32 (example of divinely-enabled self -sacrifice after repentance) Observations All of the biblical examples of successful suicide are men. All of the biblical examples are dubious characters and none are praised for their actions. All were spiritually bankrupt or went through a period of spiritual collapse before their suicide. Many of the biblical examples were in pain and/or afraid before suicide. Scripture generally presents these examples of suicide as a fitting end to a wicked and unrepentant life (cf. Judg. 9:56; 1 Ki. 16:19). Toward a Christian Perspective Suicide is not the unpardonable sin, however suicide is sinful (cf. Matt. 12:31–32; Mark 3:28–29). Reasons why suicide is wrong: Sin against God as the creator and sustainer of life. It rejects God’s sovereignty and usurps his prerogative in regard to life and death (cf. Job 12:10). Violation of the sixth commandment (cf. Ex. 20:13; Deut. 5:17). Disregards the image of God and the sanctity of human life (cf. Gen. 1:26–27; 9:5–6). Poor stewardship of one’s body (cf. 1 Cor. 6:19–20). Demonstrates misdirected love and is injurious to others (cf. Matt. 22:36–39; Eph. 5:29). Overlooks the value of human suffering (cf. Rom. 5:3–5; 8:28; 2 Cor. 4:17–18; 12:10). Believers are called to suffer with Christ (cf. Rom. 8:17). The present life is not one of earthly glory and conquest. Believers are called to have joy and hope in the midst of current trials, looking forward to the age to come. Fails to recognize the unnatural nature of death (cf. Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:26; 1 Thess. 4:13–18). Jesus refused to commit suicide and Paul prevented it (cf. Matt. 4:5–6; Luke 4:9–11; Acts 16:27–28). SUICIDE IN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE David W. Jones, Ph.D. Ministry To those contemplating suicide: Recognize signs of suicide, including: talking about suicide; statements about hopelessness, helplessness, worthlessness; preoccupation with death; sudden happiness and calm; loss of interest in material things; disposal of material things; visiting loved ones; setting one’s affairs in order. Practical response: Ask pointed questions if you suspect someone is suicidal. Persuade them—even take them—to get help (e.g., crisis hotline, emergency room, family, counseling, etc.). Refer them to available resources and stay involved in their life (e.g., support group, church, etc.). Gospel The gospel itself is a response to the conditions that lead many people to consider or to attempt suicide. Christianity acknowledges the emptiness and brokenness of the world and offers hope, newness, and abundant life. Jesus shared in man’s pain and suffering and provides redemption and restoration. To those who have been affected by suicide: Treat as normal death. Grieve Listen Pray Meet material needs. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN INFANT DIES? David W. Jones, Ph.D. Introductory Comments – “How important is this topic?” The question of the eternal fate of children who die in infancy is a recurrent topic among Christians; yet, many believers are surprisingly unable to give a coherent, biblically-informed answer to this question. This issue involves the children of those who have experienced a missed implant, a miscarriage, the death of an infant, and those who have had an abortion, among other scenarios that involve the death of a child. 30% - 60% of all fertilized eggs miss implantation in the womb. As high as 30% of all fertilized, implanted eggs miscarry. Historically, infant mortality rates have exceeded 50%. More than one-half of all human beings ever born have not lived passed infancy. There are over one million abortions performed in the United States each year. This question also relates to those who lack the capacity to make informed moral decisions, such as the mentally handicapped. Statement of the Problem: If mankind is born in sin, and salvation is by faith in Christ, then it may seem that infants—who do not have the ability to exercise faith—cannot be saved Options – “What are the possible answers to this question?” Option #1: All infants who die go to hell. While this may seem to be the logical conclusion of some denominations and/or theological systems, very few Christians (if any) have held this view in church history. This position is usually seen more in critical contexts, such as debates, caricatures, and/or uninformed articulations of theology. Option #2: Some infants who die go to heaven, while some infants who die go to hell. One variety of this option holds that baptized infants go to heaven, while non-baptized infants go to hell. Sacramental-based theologies (or works-based theologies), such as Roman Catholicism, have held to this position. Some groups within denominations that are close to Romans Catholicism have held to a variety of this view (i.e., Lutherans, Anglicans, Episcopalians, etc.). Some Protestant groups who hold to baptismal regeneration have held this position. Some Church Fathers such as Ambrose and Augustine held this view, at least for a time WHAT HAPPENS WHEN AN INFANT DIES? David W. Jones, Ph.D. Another variety of this option holds that children of believing parents go to heaven, while children of unbelieving parents go to hell.
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