Compare it to the Baltimore Catechism:
Q. 1274. What sin is it to destroy one's own life, or commit suicide, as this act is called?
A. It is a mortal sin to destroy one's own life or commit suicide, as this act is called, and persons who willfully and knowingly commit such an act die in a state of mortal sin and are deprived of Christian burial. It is also wrong to expose one's self unnecessarily to the danger of death by rash or foolhardy feats of daring.
How does the Baltimore Catechism (which I love), describe a mortal sin?
This is what the CCC says about suicide:
“2280 Everyone is responsible for his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners, of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.”
Thus, suicide is a sinful act because we are not allowed to do it.
“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.”
Suicide is GRAVELY CONTRARY to to love of oneself. That means it’s a mortal sin.
“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.”
Clearly the young woman in question by appearing in the videos was “setting an example” so there is the “gravity of scandal” - thus, two grave things so far are easily noted. That would mean a mortal sin.
“Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.”
We won’t know in this woman’s case until the Final Judgment.
“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.”
In other words, ultimately we have to leave it in the hands of God. That’s indisputable in any case.
And one more:
“2325 Suicide is seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity. It is forbidden by the fifth commandment.”
“[S]eriously contrary...[and] forbidden by the fifth commandment. “
That’s a mortal sin.
And what does the Baltimore Catechism say:
Question: What is mortal sin?
Answer: Mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.
So, a mortal sin is a grievous offense against the law of God.
Now, go back to the CCC on suicide:
“It is not ours to dispose of.” = Thus, suicide is a sinful act because we are not allowed to do it.
“Suicide contradicts the natural inclination of the human being ... It is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of neighbor...Suicide is contrary to love for the living God.” = Suicide is GRAVELY CONTRARY to to love of oneself. That means it’s a mortal sin.
“If suicide is committed with the intention of setting an example... it also takes on the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the moral law.” = That would mean a mortal sin.
“[S]eriously contrary...[and] forbidden by the fifth commandment. “ = That’s a mortal sin.
All of that sure makes suicide sound like a “grievous offense against the law of God” to me.
So, do you celebrate Nik Wallenda’s accomplishment last night, or do you condemn him as you do her?