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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 23, 2002, at 11:14:10
[In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20020715/msgs/674.html]
> I don't really want to get into all this but I don't see why it isn't possible to just say here, "The _________ faith believes that if you take your own life you will rot in hell" or whatever.
>
> SueWell, I'm not sure, I don't think this specific issue has come up before. On the one hand, that's a belief (and explicitly stated that way). And beliefs like that are relevant here.
OTOH, it's not supportive of people who have taken their life. I know, if someone's taken their life, they're not here to read any of this, but there *are* people here (1) who are suicidal and (2) who have lost loved ones to suicide. How does expressing beliefs like that affect those people?
Bob
Posted by Susan G on July 23, 2002, at 12:01:04
In reply to Re: if you take your own life..., posted by Dr. Bob on July 23, 2002, at 11:14:10
Deep long sigh.
I really hoped this wouldn't turn into one of these discussions where each post is scrutinized for correctness and possible misinterpretation. I suppose it has so I am stuck.
I do appreciate your concern about how some people who are suicidal might interpret this. I asked out of a true desire to know and I'm not up to doing a thorough internet search of all religious philosophy on this subject. While I understand it is a sensitive subject, I felt (and still feel) it is an appropriate one to ask. As far as those who are potentially suicidal, I would think that answers to this question would not make them think, "Whew, now that I have the go-ahead from God, I'm off to off myself". In fact in would think that to those with strong religious convictions probably have their own belief about this and those who are uncetain might be even more hesitant to commit suicide after reading posts here.
In view of the possibility of creating a problem here, how about if I just suggest that anyone with an answer to my question and who is willing to take the time could send me an email at imsusang2 at yahoo dot com.
Respectfully,
Sue
Posted by mair on July 23, 2002, at 15:04:14
In reply to Ah Bob, posted by Susan G on July 23, 2002, at 12:01:04
> "I do appreciate your concern about how some people who are suicidal might interpret this. I asked out of a true desire to know and I'm not up to doing a thorough internet search of all religious philosophy on this subject. While I understand it is a sensitive subject, I felt (and still feel) it is an appropriate one to ask. As far as those who are potentially suicidal, I would think that answers to this question would not make them think, "Whew, now that I have the go-ahead from God, I'm off to off myself". "
>
SusanI'm a little confused here too, because the statement Bob objected to wasn't the positive "you're fine with God even if you do commit suicide" message but rather the very negative "you'll rot in hell" message. The only thing I can extrapolate is that it's an ok topic for discussion, and the issue may be how you express your view not that you can or cannot express it.
Just a guess
Mair
Posted by Susan G on July 23, 2002, at 16:58:43
In reply to Re: Ah Bob, posted by mair on July 23, 2002, at 15:04:14
I was hoping to get honest answers to my question, even if the some answers may not be what I or others might want to hear. But if someone believes God does not forgive those who commit suicide and stating so is seen as potentially bothersome to those thinking of suicide or who have known someone who has commited suicide, then parhaps it is best if those people send me their thoughts via email.
This is the end of the thread.
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