You have answered well. Based on the specific focus of your view, it seems—within that narrow view—that we might initially find reason to suspect the case of Jesus could be defined as a suicide. Although the fact that Jesus didn’t drive the nails would be seen as relevant in court—the ruling would be more complicated and probably very different from one pertaining to the case of Robin Williams.
But something tells me it’s just plain ludicrous to call what Jesus did suicide. Often, the best way to understand a particular circumstance is to broaden the view. So let’s do that here.
The broader—and higher—view is contained in the scripture you quote. Jesus Christ is the author of life. He can lay it down as well as he can take it up again.
None of us can do this. Therefore it is an entirely different act when men take their own lives. And it has a different name—suicide.
Thank you.
Based on the specific focus of your view, it seems—within that narrow view—that we might initially find reason to suspect the case of Jesus could be defined as a suicide.
The reason I use a very narrow definition is (a) because it's the dictionary definition, and (b) because it cuts out a lot of crap to be clear about what you're talking about.
Although the fact that Jesus didn’t drive the nails would be seen as relevant in court—the ruling would be more complicated and probably very different from one pertaining to the case of Robin Williams.
*shrug* — I never once made the claim that the deaths were at all equivalent; and about the only commonality is it being possible to classify them both as suicide
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But something tells me it’s just plain ludicrous to call what Jesus did suicide. Often, the best way to understand a particular circumstance is to broaden the view. So let’s do that here.
The broader—and higher—view is contained in the scripture you quote. Jesus Christ is the author of life. He can lay it down as well as he can take it up again.
I'm not disputing this fact: that Jesus can take his life back up again.
I am asserting and affirming that he laid it down, intentionally.
None of us can do this. Therefore it is an entirely different act when men take their own lives. And it has a different name—suicide.
Ok, I agree that this is in His power to do, by the fact that He did it — I disagree that this fact invalidates my definition: the intentional taking of one's own life.
However, I do see a possibility of another definition, if there is another definition, one that suits your frame of view better: what is it? How does it exclude Jesus's own actions while including Mr. Williams's? — Moreover, how would it exclude Samson who prayed to God specifically Lord God, remember me and strengthen me only this once, O God, so that with this one act of revenge I may pay back the Philistines for my two eyes. […] Let me die with the Philistines.
("God killed him" and "God allowed him to die" are unsatisfactory answers in both cases.)