spiritseeker Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 I received a phone call late Saturday night a good friend took his own life. I am heartbroken that he didn't reach out to me or someone. I feel so sad that he felt so lost that suicide seemed a solution.... It just seems so senseless.... My question is where is he now? I am a newer member and don't know what the LDS position is on this issue. Can I still do Temple work for him??? I thank Heavenly Father for my faith because without it I would be a real wreck right now. Quote
Dr T Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 I've wondered about that question too. Sorry to hear that Spirit Seeker Quote
Ezequiel Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 I'm so sorry over your losss, SpiritSeeker! Is he a member of the church!? Has he been baptised? Well, one thing is for sure, and that is that he has gone to the Spirit world, and he probably went to the Spiritual Prison due to the nature of his death. I don't know anything specific other than that... I wonder if/how he would be able to repent for taking his own life in the spirit prison. I'm sad to hear about your friend though. Be comforted in knowing that the Atonement and the Plan of Salvation covers everyone! If he wasn't a member of the church, this may be a good opportunity to do some missionary work! Quote
pam Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 My understanding is temple work would still be able to be done. Only Heavenly Father knows what was going on in his mind that would cause him to take such action and will be the judge. Quote
spiritseeker Posted June 23, 2009 Author Report Posted June 23, 2009 No he was not a member of the Church. I called his mother and ex wife Sunday and of course they are devestated. He had been dealing with some personal issues... I know he had a good heart he just had some problems. I am sad and at the same time angry for/at him! The funeral is this Friday in the city(NYC). Perhaps if it is oppurtune I could mention my faith.... don't know. They are Jewish not active but, coming from a Jewish background myself I know how defensive we can be... I'll have to pray about it. Quote
pam Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 Then I would agree with Ezekial. He is probably receiving lessons and will have the opportunity to embrace the Gospel and the plan of salvation. Quote
pam Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 Here is a good article about it. It explains so many things that you are questioning.LDS.org - Liahona Article - Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not Quote
Hemidakota Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 I received a phone call late Saturday night a good friend took his own life. I am heartbroken that he didn't reach out to me or someone. I feel so sad that he felt so lost that suicide seemed a solution.... It just seems so senseless.... My question is where is he now? I am a newer member and don't know what the LDS position is on this issue. Can I still do Temple work for him??? I thank Heavenly Father for my faith because without it I would be a real wreck right now.I am glad to hear it was not a member. Without being there in person to feel of the Spirit, there is no known knowledge of what is become of that individual. I am betting for the positive side of placing this down as a mental issue that may of caused it. Now, I can attest here, if the person was unrighteous, they will remain in that very place where it occurred. You will need permission from your local leaders, the parents, and need to wait for one year for temple work. Quote
NeuroTypical Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 My question is where is he now? I am a newer member and don't know what the LDS position is on this issue.Well, the position of people who make up the church are all over the place - we've got all sorts of opinions and make all sorts of assumptions. If you look at the Bishop's general handbook under the subject, you will see:* Temple ordinances may be done for this person, as long as he had not been excommunicated or had his name removed from Church membership records at the time of his death. * Murder is wrong, suicide is murder. However, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Only God can judge.Remember, God is perfect, (as in, he has a perfect understanding of our trials, burdens, struggles, ilnesses, and the intent of our heart). Not only is He perfect, but He also loves His children and wants what is best for them. He only punishes when it will do that person the most good. He only forgives when it will do that person the most good. He will always make the best choice.LM Quote
martybess Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 We can not know what will be the outcome of this, only God knows. Only HF knows his state of mind, his nature and why he did it. Temple work can be done for him in one year from now. At that time if you are the one going through for him you will have a better idea where he is and if he accepted it and is moving forward. Live worthy and close to the spirit and when you go and you will get your answer. So sorry to hear of your loss, God bless and may you receive comfort. -Marty Quote
bytebear Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 You cannot do temple work without the family's permission, since he is not a relative. And there is some friction with Mormons doing temple work for Jews, so it may not be easy to do work for him. But you can pray for him for now. He can still accept the Gospel in the next life, and if there were chemical or mental issues that caused depression, those issues are not with him. Quote
applepansy Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 This morning while quilting I listened to a talk by John Bytheway. He quoted an apostle about this very subject. We cannot judge the state of mind someone was in when they commited suicide so we cannot say they will go anywhere bad. To willfully sin you have to have full control of your mind. Some who is so depressed or distraught they commit suicide will not be judged harshly by Heavenly Father and we shouldn't judge either. Quote
pam Posted June 23, 2009 Report Posted June 23, 2009 I am glad to hear it was not a member. Would that really make a difference? Again I think Heavenly Father knows where the mindset was at whether a member or a non member and will judge accordingly. Quote
applepansy Posted June 24, 2009 Report Posted June 24, 2009 Changed, thank you. It was Elder Ballard that Bro. Bytheway quoted. I couldn't remember when I posted. Quote
spiritseeker Posted June 26, 2009 Author Report Posted June 26, 2009 Thank you all for your kind responses. Tomorrow is the funeral I will be leaving around 7AM and should get to the city about 11:00 Am. Services are at 1:00. ( Want to have it done before the Shabat comes in.) I will keep you all informed as to how it goes. It's just so senseless... I can't think of any problem I would kill myself over. Like the old cliche; " Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." God bless you all!! Quote
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