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In the Service of God

QPR in the faith-based setting

Suicide is found in the writings of most of the world's religions. Most influential in the Western world have been the teachings of Judaism and Christianity. For centuries it was held that if a person took his or her life, for any reason, they would go straight to hell, would not be fit to have final rites, and would be refused burial within a consecrated cemetery. Such measures were seen as the best method of prevention, even though statistically they did not succeed. These attitudes also made life miserable for survivors and in no way encouraged those with suicidal ideation to turn to religious leaders for help.

Largely through the emerging influences of sociology and psychiatry, suicide has come to be seen, by the general public and by religious committees, in a different light. It is no longer always a "sin" or a "crime" which someone "committed," any more than it is a sin or crime to commit heart attack or stroke or cancer. Rather it is an emotional or chemical illness to be treated. Viewing suicide in this way provokes compassion rather than condemnation, demands understanding and research, offers hope and acceptance for those who are suicidal (or who have survived an attempt), and helps remove the stigma and oppression against those who grieve the loss of a loved one to suicide.

The U.S. Surgeon General, David Satcher, has issued his "Call to Action for Suicide Prevention," in which he calls upon religious communities to increase their efforts in this national emergency. Fortunately, many are responding in effective and compassionate ways and are taking an active role in making a difference.

James T. Clemons
of OASIS