This is a paper Rob wrote for his Teaching of the Living Prophets class at BYU. I think the assignment was to research and write a paper about a controversial Church topic. Rob chose suicide and then wrote this paper.
The Position of the Church on Suicide
Robert Thacker
Teachings of the Living Prophets
Religion 333, Section 15
Conclusion
From the attached research, I find the position of the Church on the issue of suicide to be: that “suicide consists in the voluntary and intentional taking of one’s own life, particularly where the person involved is accountable and has a sound mind. . . . 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.” (Mormon Doctrine, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966, p. 771.)
First, it is important to recognize that suicide is seen as a very weighty sin. It is comparable to murder, and in cases where the person is fully aware if his or her actions, is viewed to be just as serious. President Spencer W. Kimball stated that, “not only is suicide a crime, but one is obligated to protect and save and prolong his own life. Not only shall we not take life, but it is obligatory upon us to give life, both by bearing children in mortality and by leading people toward eternal life by teaching, proselyting and influencing them strongly toward that end.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City, Bookcraft, 1969, p. 99.)
President George Q. Cannon of the first Presidency further explains the severity of this sin. “Man did not create himself. He did not furnish his spirit with a human dwelling place. It is God who created man, both body and spirit. Man has no right, therefore, to destroy that which he had no agency in creating. They who do so are guilty of murder, self-murder it is true; but they are no more justified in killing themselves than they are in killing others. What difference of punishment there is for the two crimes, I do not know; but it is clear that no one can destroy so precious a gift as that of life without incurring a severe penalty.” (Gospel Truth, 2 vols., Salt Lake City: Zion’s Book Store, 1957, 1:30.)
The end of the statement by President Cannon brings up an important issue. If suicide is seen as being the same as murder, than isn’t this sin unpardonable? Elder M. Russell Ballard of the quorum of the twelve apostles expressed this question in a similar manner. He stated, “The purpose of our mortal lives, we know, is to prove ourselves, to eventually return to live in the celestial kingdom. One who commits suicide closes the door on all that, some have thought, consigning himself to the telestial kingdom. Or does he? . . . .The Lord said, “Thou shalt not kill.” Does that mean that every person who kills will be condemned, no matter the circumstances? Civil law recognizes that there are gradations in this matter—from accidental manslaughter to self-defense to first-degree murder. I feel that the Lord also recognizes differences in intent and circumstances. (M. Russell Ballard, “Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not,” Ensign, Oct. 1987.)
The idea of a just and merciful God has been a part of church doctrine since the restoration. The Prophet Joseph Smith supports Elder Ballard’s conclusion with the following statement about the judgment of God: “While one portion of the Human race is judging and condemning the other without mercy, the Great Parent of the universe looks upon the whole of the human family with a fatherly care and paternal regard. . . . He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil. . . . We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, ed. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 218.) What a wonderful doctrine! It is a reminder of the love God has for His children and how much He wants them to return.
Elder Ballard, in the same spirit of mercy, clarified many of the possible conditions that may affect the final judgment. He asked several questions that God may consider: “Was the person who took his life mentally ill? Was he or she so deeply depressed as to be unbalanced or otherwise emotionally disturbed? Was the suicide a tragic, pitiful call for help that went unheeded too long or progressed faster than the victim intended? Did he or she somehow not understand the seriousness of the act? Was he or she suffering from a chemical imbalance that led to despair and a loss of self-control? . . . When he does judge us, I feel he will take all things into consideration: our genetic and chemical makeup, our mental state, our intellectual capacity, the teachings we have received, the traditions of our fathers, our health, and so forth. . . . The Lord will look at that person’s circumstances and the degree of his accountability at the time of the act.” (M. Russell Ballard, “Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do Not,” Ensign, Oct. 1987.)
Suicide continues to be an important issue today. Many of the prophets in this dispensation have discussed the reasons why so many people are falling into this trap of despair. President Spencer W. Kimball stated many things that may lead one to consider suicide: “There are people who, when finally discovered in their defalcations, in misappropriation of funds, in deep transgressions involving immorality and which affect families and friends, and in other sins, begin to think of suicide. Sometimes the temptation toward suicide comes when a person is bowed in grief at bereavement or feeling inadequate to meet and cope with the difficult situations he encounters.” ((Miracle of Forgiveness, Salt Lake City, Bookcraft, 1969, p. 130.)
President Harold B. Lee stated that it is a lack of self respect that drives a person to such an end. He said that, “when we see one devoid of respect for himself, as indicated by his conduct, his outward appearance, his speech, and his utter disregard of the basic measures of decency, then certainly we are witnessing the frightening aspect of one over whom Satan has achieved a victory.” Speaking further he spoke of a study done that tried to illuminate the reasons why so many young people commit suicide. Stating the results he said, “This was their firm conclusion after an exhaustive study: ‘The philosophy of the students who took their lives was so lacking that when a severe crisis came in their lives, they had nothing to hold fast to, and so they took the coward’s way out.’ (Harold B. Lee, “Understanding Who we are Brings Self-Respect,” Ensign, Jan. 1974.)
President Ezra Taft Benson saw these influences as being directly from Satan. He stated that, “we live, in an age when, as the Lord foretold, men’s hearts are failing them, not only physically but in spirit. (See D&C 45:26.) Many are giving up heart for the battle of life. Suicide ranks as a major cause of death of college students. As the showdown between good and evil approaches with its accompanying trials and tribulations, Satan is increasingly striving to overcome the Saints with despair, discouragement, despondency, and depression.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Do Not Despair,” Ensign, Oct. 1986.)
Though there are many influences that may drive an individual to consider suicide, the prophets have also taught us how to remove such influences from our lives, especially focusing on the youth. The first is the wonderful power of our faith and the joy the gospel brings through righteous living. President Gordon B. Hinckley has lived through some very trying and depressing times. Speaking of one of these times, the Great Depression, he said, “It was a time of cynicism and much despair. It was the bottom of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate was above 30 percent when I was graduated in 1932. The United States and the entire world were in desperate straits. It was a time of soup lines and suicides. . . .
“It was easy to wonder about many things, to question things in life, in the world, in the Church, in aspects of the gospel. But it was also a season of gladness and a season of love. Behind such thoughts, there was for me an underlying foundation of love that came from great parents and a good family, a wonderful bishop, devoted and faithful teachers, and the scriptures to read and ponder.
“Although in our youth we had trouble understanding many things, there was in our hearts something of a love for God and his great work that carried us above any doubts and fears. We loved the Lord and we loved good and honorable friends. From such love we drew great strength.” (Hinckley, “God Hath Not Given Us the Spirit of Fear,” Ensign, Oct. 1984, 2) God grants us power to overcome our trials. He will lift us up with his love and will give us hope if we live righteously.
Keeping within the same theme of how righteous living will help overcome the influences of the world, two further practices will guide us through some of these times. President Hinckley suggests that serving in the mission field will greatly help those individuals who may be inclined to think suicidal thoughts. He is greatly concerned about the suicide rate among our young people. He stated that in order to help prevent these tragic cases “we must stay closer to our young people. The 55 percent of our young men who go on missions are probably not in [the] category [of considering suicide], but the other 45 percent may be. If we could raise the number going on missions from 55 percent to 65 percent in the next few years, we would be doing a wonderful thing for the Church and a wonderful thing for our young people.” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co. 1997, p. 717.)
Along the same lines President Hinckley further gave a few guidelines to solve many of the ills of modern society including violent crime, divorce, and suicide. “What is happening is simply an ugly expression of the declining values of our society. When all is said and done, the primary place in building a value system is in the homes of the people.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Bring Up a Child in the Way He Should Go,” Ensign, Nov. 1993.)
Ezra Taft Benson enlightened us on how these values can be successfully taught in our homes. Regarding the attempts of Satan to tear down the family and the inspiration of modern prophets to combat it he stated: “with the satanic attempts to break apart the family and create disunion and strife in the home, would you be impressed with a program inaugurated by a modern prophet of the Lord some fifty years ago called the home evening program? This one-night-a-week program brings together all the members of the family for some spiritual and character guidance, a discussion of family goals and plans, a display of family talent, and games and refreshments. . . . Those members who diligently hold these home evenings are given a promised blessing by a prophet of God of what will result. Listen to this promised blessing: (Family Home Evening Manual, 1965) “Love at home and obedience to parents will increase, faith will be developed in the hearts of the youth of Israel, and they will gain power to combat the evil influences and temptations which beset them.” (Ezra Taft Benson, “Listen to a Prophet’s Voice,” Ensign, Jan. 1973.)
These are the teachings of the prophets and apostles of the Lord. Suicide is a very serious sin, yet we, as imperfect as we are, are not in a position to judge others. Only God can fairly judge each individual based upon circumstances and experiences in their life. We, as a membership, can help prevent this terrible tragedy through watchful eyes and hearts, as well as through properly teaching the youth of today how to avoid the pitfalls and find joy in the truth, as well as in life. It is wonderful to have modern prophets to help us understand some of the larger questions that face us, whether it be in life or death.
Personal Insights
Suicide. What a terrible tragedy. It is so terrible, not only because of the loss of a precious life, but also because of the victims that are left behind. Those that continue on are left with questions, concerns, and often despair as they ponder the welfare and eternal potential of their now gone loved one.
The question about suicide first came into my mind many years ago. My sister had gone through a divorce, wherein her then husband had been verbally abusive, partially physically abusive, and had been unfaithful. The resulting depression and lack of confidence in herself took a tremendous hold upon her. She wasn’t the same, beautifully confident young women who I had known when we were at home with our parents. I didn’t realize the extent of the damage until it was all over.
I was speaking to her one day, after she had gotten the divorce, when she shared with me how during that time she had contemplated suicide. In spite of her circumstances and the resulting depression she knew, deep inside, that suicide was wrong and that suicide could not solve her problems.
In a desperate attempt to gain control over her life she turned to the scriptures. She found the comforting words of Alma, spoken about the Savior: “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7: 11-12.)
She found tremendous comfort in the words, “that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” She knew that at least one person understood her pain. She knew that her Savior understood her pain. She was filled with His love and was given the strength to endure the tremendous hardship in her life.
Since this time I have learned that depression runs in my family. My grandfather, who is one of the happiest people I know, suffers from depression. He has wonderfully lived the principles of the gospel and used these teaching to give him hope. Anyone who has just met him would never think that depression was a part of his life. I myself have a tendency to get down on myself from time to time, and become self critical. I have learned over the years that I have control over this aspect of my life. I have the choice on a daily basis to be happy or to let the troubles of the world tear me down. I firmly believe that everyone can have this same control, though I understand it may be much more difficult for some than for others. I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to control this if I truly suffered from a chemical imbalance.
I haven’t been extremely close to anyone who has committed suicide, but I have a few acquaintances who have taken their own lives. Just this past summer a young man, with whom I had sung in Concert Choir, took his own life. He seemed just like the rest of us. Nobody would have ever suspected. I never recognized how much of a problem it has become in our church society and culture. Many youth who are calm and collected on the outside are perhaps screaming on the inside.
Life is a wonderful thing. It is a tremendous gift that God has bestowed upon us, to learn and grow. I need all the time I can get. Yet, it is wonderful to recognize that God doesn’t immediately consign people who take their own life to the telestial kingdom to spend eternity among the other murders. I can take comfort in knowing that God will be fair and just. This doctrine helps me understand, more than anything else, the tremendous love our Father in Heaven has for His children. Only a loving Father is willing to learn all the details and circumstances and then judge us accordingly.
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