randog,
There are so many possibilities.
I think that suicide, like homicidal rampages, are a product of anger mixed with despair.
I believe that everyone has a breaking point. Some of us are stronger and some of us are weaker, but even the strongest among us can be crushed under enough pressure. I think that often it is a choice the person under pressure makes to turn inward instead of turning outward. I look at the person who harms himself instead of harming others as being more altruistic.
I realize that most Christians regard suicide as unforgivable. I believe that only God knows what is in a person’s heart at the last moment and that He is understanding and forgiving. I believe that God understands when a person has reached his breaking point.
That does not mean that I think suicide is an acceptable choice. I think there are always alternatives to harming oneself or harming others. But I do believe that a person who has reached that point is in extreme pain and not thinking clearly and probably no longer capable of thinking clearly.
May God comfort and give strength to the family and friends of these people.
Good post, generally (or should I say overall?!)
Suicide is unacceptable to us hypocrites, but slow suicide is all hunky dory. (Or is it murder?)
I don’t want to rant and explain, just listen to Eleanor Rigby.
What a truly touching response. Thank you.
My friend’s friend had his problems—bouts with drug abuse, gambling, heretical, twisted views of scripture, but the talks I’ve had with other Christians in the past two weeks is that Christians have hope in Christ to overcome these sins and weaknesses. IOW, how can we lose hope if God is with us? God has certainly pulled me out of the pit numerous times and I have great trust and faith that he will continue to do so (right now he’s giving me strength and courage to finish my taxes...8/ ), so what’s going on when a child of God loses that hope?