J1ST 111: CST Suicide
Suicide is, unfortunately, something that has touched each of our lives. Whether it was a family member, friend, classmate or just someone in our community, we have all felt the deep sadness when someone chooses to take their own lives.
Speaking about suicide in the context of Catholic Social Teaching is a bit different than other topics. Where we need to argue that Abortion or the Death Penalty is wrong, everyone (for the most part) understands that suicide is a terrible and desperate choice. In our bones we all agree with Catholic Social Teaching that each life is a sacred gift from God and it is a terrible thing to reject that gift.
Things become a bit more complicated when we deal with the aftermath of suicide. Since murder is a mortal sin, and the sinner is unable to receive reconciliation after the murder, many fear that those who commit suicide are sent to Hell. And yet, as our Church teaches and great saints have proclaimed, there is always a reason to hope! We can not judge were any soul is sent after death. The only thing we know for certain is that God IS love and mercy.
When we talk about suicide we MUST also talk about mental illness. In this conversation I share my own experiences with suicide and how I have shared this topic with my children. I hope that what I share here is helpful as you prepare to speak about suicide with your own children.
Our exploration of suicide comes directly out of our new book, CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING FOR YOUTH. Catholic Social Teaching for Youth is not on sale yet, but will be soon. Look for the book to be on sale in May!
In the meantime, please use this Catholic Social Teaching Cheat Sheet. It outlines what the Church teaches on each topic and offers you a brief description of the beauty we should reinforce as we teach.
Get it here: https://omniform1.com/forms/v1/landingPage/61ba0f0cbe1f5d001d03c28e/64110c69b09e89c71966c120
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Your sister in the small things,
Nancy