Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 8/4/2008

Question
Hi George!

It’s me yet again. :) Well, a few days ago I was rereading the book Girl, Interrupted (just as amazing as the movie by the way). And she was talking about suicide in one of the chapters, since, after all, the book is about the author’s stay in a mental institution. Well, I was wondering if there is such a thing as premature death. There’s a time and reason for everything that happens. If a person kills him or herself it really isn’t God’s doing though. So, if a person does commit suicide is it a ‘premature death’? I mean that person has to die sometime. Is there even such a thing as a ‘premature death’? The author posed the same question and I just needed someone to shed some light my way, because I really don’t know the answer.

Oh and sorry about such a dreary topic, but I really wanted to know.

Thanks again, George! 8D


Answer
Peace

dear Matt,

   First, this a difficult topic for me to write, however its a lot easier for me to verbalize my thoughts on it. I use to give talks to my fellow teens on it and other so-called teens issues to my fellow Catholic teens. Its a hard because when dealing with suicide, I can't really draw from personal experience, however I have dealt with other death issues.

So I think the best I can do, is offer the words of wisdom found in the Catechism:

2281 Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation, and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.

2282 If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

2283 We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.


2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.



I hope the above is some help, if want to some help beyond this, more personal you can email me: ravjerome72@yahoo.com