Suicide

[jazzytakara]

I was thinking of the movie Constantine the other day, where the title character is asking an angel if he will be able to go to Heaven when he dies. This is a big issue for him, as he will die of cancer in the near future. The angel in question tells him that because of his suicide attempt as a teenager (being able to see demons and angels was traumatic growing up), he will go to Hell, for suicide is an unforgivable sin, only sacrifice may save him. He meets a women who is a similar predicament, for she is inquiring to a catholic priest about giving her sister a proper catholic burial. As her sister committed suicide in her mental hospital, the priest denies it, for she is going to Hell for her sin. Later on Constantine and the women catch a glimpse of Hell, and her sister is indeed there for committing suicide. Constantine eventually aids Lucifer by informing him that his son is trying to break into the earthly world and conquer it before him, as such Lucifer offers Constantine a favour, and he asks that the women's sisters soul to be released from Hell so that she may be sent to Heaven, he agrees, but was unable to collect Constantine's soul, for he committed self sacrifice to save the women from Hell.

Anyone, fictional aspects of the movie aside, I was wondering if suicide was an unforgivable sin, and if there are any unforgivable sins to begin with. I was always taught that all sins may be forgiven if one truly repents, so I am curious. I know it would be difficult for someone who died from suicide to repent, but what if they were severely mentally ill, or undergoing immense torture somewhere, etc, in most cases suicide is done by those who are in a horrific state of mind, were unable to find help in time, would there not be some mercy for someone in such a desperate situation that they could no longer think logically or rationally? Also if a severely depressed individual attempts to commit suicide, fails to do so, but later is given psychological aid and support, thus helping them recover from their original depression and heal emotionally/mentally, will that person still be sent to Hell even if they repent for their sin of attempting suicide now that they are healed, or will they be forgiven their sins and sent to either Purgatory or Heaven?

If anyone could help clarify this it would be great. As a side note, I have never tried to commit suicide, this is purely for my own understanding on whether or not there are unforgivable sins, and due to the rise in suicide (especially in youths), it really had me thinking.

[Theoketos]

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.

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.

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.

Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

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.


My own feeling is it would be difficult, though not impossible for that soul to go to heaven. I still pray for my family and friends who have.

Finally stop watching such trite movies. They fill our heads with nonsense.