Church Standings

[sharrard_family]

How does the church stand on someone commiting suicide??? I had a family memeber that did that recently and I was just curious on how that might work?

[CrimsonKairos]

I don't think the Church has a hard-and-fast policy on suicide and the spiritual consequences.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss though.

[sharrard_family]

Thanks for you concern. I'm just not sure if he will ever make it into the celsetial kingdom. He had some mental problems and I know he is in a better place, but I just wasn't sure if this was going to hold him back from attaining eternal glory.

[CrimsonKairos]

One thing I know, and that is that none of us truly know what trials a person goes through (mental or physical).

God is a Just and a Merciful Father, and I believe He takes into account all the factors that influence our choices here in mortality.

[sharrard_family]

that is very true. I know that this was better for him, and no one really knows what he was going through except for Heavenly Father and Jesus.

[pam]

Here's what one of our general authorities says.

Although it is wrong to take one’s own life, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said: “Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide

There is a wonderful article by him on lds.org under Suicide.

[Palerider]

Here's what one of our general authorities says.

Although it is wrong to take one’s own life, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said: “Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide

There is a wonderful article by him on lds.org under Suicide.

Thanks for sharing that Pam. Some very close friends of ours had a son who took his life several years ago. I believe the council they recieved from our Stake President was along the same lines possibly based on that talk. We all need to remember that God is a loving God.

[pam]

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Here's what one of our general authorities says.

Although it is wrong to take one’s own life, a person who commits suicide may not be responsible for his or her acts. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said: “Obviously, we do not know the full circumstances surrounding every suicide

There is a wonderful article by him on lds.org under Suicide.

Thanks for sharing that Pam. Some very close friends of ours had a son who took his life several years ago. I believe the council they recieved from our Stake President was along the same lines possibly based on that talk. We all need to remember that God is a loving God.

Exactly Pale. As his talk states, nothing about this subject is cut and dry. Families should not feel complete despair. All aspects are weighed by a Father in Heaven who is just and merciful and extremely loving.

[BenRaines]

Last I read Christ, He who suffered all, so that we could return to the Father will be looking for reasons to allow us in and not keep us out.

Ben Raines

[Blessed]

My thoughts are along those that were given. I find it a very comforting belief vs the belief that goes along the lines of "that person is in hell right now..." That is cold and ruthless. I don't think God would send a person to hell for that. The person was living in a "hell" before they died or so they think.

My thoughts... anyway.

[pushka]

I'm happy to hear that the LDS church has more of a compassionate view towards suicide. I was brought up to believe that suicide was a mortal sin, which isn't too great!

I did try to commit suicide 5 years ago, and whilst I was recovering in hospital, the local Roman Catholic priest visited me and made me feel really guilty about how I would have been leaving my children behind..I must admit that the guilt trip did convince me to never try it again, but it wasn't too great having him lecture me at the time.

[Outshined]

From an LDS perspective, suicide is a moral issue and is to be handled with particular sensitivity and human caring. The General Handbook of Instructions (1989) says, "A person who takes his own life may not be responsible for his acts. Only God can judge such a matter.

http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/d...suicide_eom.htm

From Mormon Doctrine:

Obviously persons subject to great stresses may lose control of themselves and become mentally clouded to the point that they are no longer accountable for their acts. Such are not to be condemned for taking their own lives. It should also be remembered that judgment is the Lord's; he knows the thoughts, intents, and abilities of men; and he in his infinite wisdom will make all things right in due course.

[Dror]

I know it's easy to say, Kortney, but don't worry about it. Heavenly Father is loving and kind, and He understands why people do things like that. Many people who take their own lives have impaired judgment due to a chemical imbalance, emotional trauma, or other circumstance beyond what they are able to handle.

The Church doesn't really have a hard-and-fast stand on suicide, but Elder Ballard wrote a thoughtful little book about it called Suicide: Some Things We Know and Some We Don't, which I would recommend.

I, too, have a family member who killed herself. She had many problems in this life which were not her fault, and I picture Heavenly Father greeting her on the other side of the Veil with open arms and comforting words. I honestly don't think it will stand in the way of her exaltation.

Dror

[sharrard_family]

Thank you everyone who responded. I will pass this knowledge on to my Aunt. It makes me feel more comforted knowing that her husband is in a better place. I knew that all along, but I have been so concerned about her well being and I know as each day goes on, She also moves on. I appreciate all that was shared and if she is ever having a rough time all of your thoughts and information will go through my mind again.

Thank You,

Kortney