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The biblical teachings on suicide

¹Newman Foundation at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, USA.

Issues in Law & Medicine

|January 1, 1997

Summary

This study examines biblical perspectives on suicide, refuting claims that the Bible condones it. The Bible only permits killing for self-defense, punishment, or as a sacrifice to God.

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Area of Science:

Theology
Biblical Studies
Ethics

Background:

Professor Margaret Battin's assertion that the Bible tolerates or encourages suicide is a subject of debate.
Understanding the biblical stance on self-inflicted death is crucial for theological and ethical discourse.

Purpose of the Study:

To critically analyze and refute the argument that the Bible permits or promotes suicide.
To establish a comprehensive understanding of the biblical perspective on suicide.

Main Methods:

Analysis of biblical narratives and theological interpretations.
Examination of instances where suicide is requested, tolerated, or condemned in the Old and New Testaments.
Scholarly review of existing arguments on the topic.

Main Results:

The Bible does not generally tolerate or encourage suicide.
Instances of suicide are presented as either refused by God, condemned, or tolerated only as a sacrifice in service to God.
Killing is permissible only in cases of self-defense or as capital punishment.

Conclusions:

The biblical texts do not support the idea that suicide is acceptable.
The only exception for self-inflicted death is when it is a sacrifice made in devotion to God.
The article concludes that the Bible's stance on suicide is prohibitive, with narrow exceptions related to divine service.

Keywords:

Death and Euthanasia Religious Approach

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