[boatbums]

I've only known one person who ever committed suicide. She was a committed Christian. Her only child attempted suicide but ended up instead in a coma with no brain activity. She was so despondent and depressed after months of visiting him in a nursing home that one day she went home and killed herself. I don't think any of us can truly comprehend that kind of deep and dark hopelessness that could drive someone to "escape" the torment in that way. I didn't for a second think that our loving and compassionate God would condemn her to hell for it.

I don't think this priest handled the situation properly at all. He should spend some time contemplating his role as pastor and teacher. I know Jesus would have acted differently.

[Chickensoup]

In time of need of comfort

Book of Wisdom 3: 1 - 9
1 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and no torment will ever touch them.
2 In the eyes of the foolish they seemed to have died, and their departure was thought to be an affliction,
3 and their going from us to be their destruction; but they are at peace.
4 For though in the sight of men they were punished, their hope is full of immortality.
5 Having been disciplined a little, they will receive great good, because God tested them and found them worthy of himself;
6 like gold in the furnace he tried them, and like a sacrificial burnt offering he accepted them.
7 In the time of their visitation they will shine forth, and will run like sparks through the stubble.
8 They will govern nations and rule over peoples, and the Lord will reign over them for ever.
9 Those who trust in him will understand truth, and the faithful will abide with him in love, because grace and mercy are upon his elect, and he watches over his holy ones.