The Catholic Tradition and its Treatment of Suicide

We have seen in recent years how suicide has become a more pressing reality as a social phenomenon. With this has come a vast amount of data and information as regards its cause, and the means by which its prevention might be sought. The following are an example of such: • Male suicide rates are four times higher than female rates. • Suicide rates increase with age and are highest among males over twenty-five. • Suicide attempt rates are three times higher for females than for males. • An estimated five million living Americans have tried to kill themselves. • 30,000 people kill themselves every year in the United States. • The risk o f death from suicide is greater than if there were a fully loaded jumbo jet air disaster every four days. The list of statistics and details be they, sociological or psychological are endless. This abundance of information has brought about the development of a complex web o f distinctions and clarifications in the language of psychology and sociology, which have in part made their way into popular perceptions. A similar type of development has occurred within the Church due in part from the insights gained from these sciences but the difference being that this new vocabulary of subtle clarifications within the science of theology has not found root within the faithful. The church is still seen to operate with the blunt instruments of right and wrong. In short the church teaching on the subject of suicide is perceived, as “ Suicide is a mortal sin.” This is not seen as a summary but the whole story. This idea hides, the more fruitful and hope filled insights which the Church now holds in regard to suicide.

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

other

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Pontifical University, St Patrick's College, Maynooth

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Collins, Michael

• Theology

Language dc:language

en