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Question Title	Posted By	Question Date
Do all suicides go to hell?	Joe	Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Question: Dear Brother, I recently became informed of the Phoebe Prince case through the news media. Just in case you don't know what happened, here is a very brief summary: The family of a freshman high school girl named Phoebe Prince moved from Ireland to the United States last year. They moved to a town in Massachussettes. The young girl, Phoebe Prince, was enrolled in a local public high school. For some reason, Phoebe was not liked by a group of her classmates and was subjected to constant harrassment and taunting. The perpetrators were mainly a group of girls, but there were also a couple of boys involved. The harrassment eventually got so unbearable for Phoebe that she committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom closet. There was no remorse on the part of the youths who drove her to this sad end, as they continued to mock her even in death. One of the girls even stated that she felt "accomplished" at what had transpired. The teenagers involved in this are now facing possible criminal charges. My question is this: Do the souls of all suicides go to hell? This subject hits close to home with me because I had a close relative who also took his life. I remember reading somewhere once, perhaps in this forum, that there is almost always demonic attachment involved with suicide. In the case of my relative who killed himself, I have reason to believe that there was some level of demonic harrassment that led him to this. In the case of Phoebe, it seems palpable that the teens who drove her to suicide may have been demonized in order to commit such evil actions. It is possible that Phoebe, too, was influenced by demons to kill herself. Wouldn't the possibility that demonic influence may reduce the free will of a suicide victim be a consideration for not condemning the suicide to hell for their action? Thanks for your counsel on this matter, Brother. I have often wondered about this due to the aforementioned suicide in my family. Sincerely, Joe
Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM Dear Joe: Sorry for the delay in responding. I have no worries about the soul Phoebe (or your relative), but I have great concerns for the souls of the girls and boys who harassed Phoebe. Their consciences are obviously seared, perverted, and evil. Prayers not only for their eternal souls is needed, but for them as they continue their lives, and the poor people who have the misfortune to have a relationship with them. As for those who kill themselves, the Church teaching is: 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. (my emphasis) 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 emphasis) In order for grave sin to be mortal (and thus send someone to hell) they must have complete freedom to make the decision to sin. Those who kill themselves are not thinking properly. Their capacity for genuine free will decisions is impaired whatever is happening in their lives and by depression as a result. Thus, the doctrine of "diminished responsibility" may apply. We cannot know where the lines are drawn between full culpability and diminished responsibility that sufficient to save a her from hell. But, we know God does know where those lines are draw. As a merciful Father he will not allow his children fall into hell by mistake or because they were emotional impaired and not able to make a proper full consent to the sin. Praise God that Phoebe is free from her tormentors and pray for her soul. God is merciful. God Bless, Bro. Ignatius Mary For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.

Question Title

Posted By

Question Date

Do all suicides go to hell?

Joe

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Question:

Dear Brother,
I recently became informed of the Phoebe Prince case through the news media. Just in case you don't know what happened, here is a very brief summary:

The family of a freshman high school girl named Phoebe Prince moved from Ireland to the United States last year. They moved to a town in Massachussettes. The young girl, Phoebe Prince, was enrolled in a local public high school. For some reason, Phoebe was not liked by a group of her classmates and was subjected to constant harrassment and taunting. The perpetrators were mainly a group of girls, but there were also a couple of boys involved. The harrassment eventually got so unbearable for Phoebe that she committed suicide by hanging herself in her bedroom closet.

There was no remorse on the part of the youths who drove her to this sad end, as they continued to mock her even in death. One of the girls even stated that she felt "accomplished" at what had transpired. The teenagers involved in this are now facing possible criminal charges.

My question is this: Do the souls of all suicides go to hell? This subject hits close to home with me because I had a close relative who also took his life.

I remember reading somewhere once, perhaps in this forum, that there is almost always demonic attachment involved with suicide. In the case of my relative who killed himself, I have reason to believe that there was some level of demonic harrassment that led him to this. In the case of Phoebe, it seems palpable that the teens who drove her to suicide may have been demonized in order to commit such evil actions. It is possible that Phoebe, too, was influenced by demons to kill herself. Wouldn't the possibility that demonic influence may reduce the free will of a suicide victim be a consideration for not condemning the suicide to hell for their action?

Thanks for your counsel on this matter, Brother. I have often wondered about this due to the aforementioned suicide in my family.
Sincerely,
Joe

Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM

Dear Joe:

Sorry for the delay in responding.

I have no worries about the soul Phoebe (or your relative), but I have great concerns for the souls of the girls and boys who harassed Phoebe. Their consciences are obviously seared, perverted, and evil. Prayers not only for their eternal souls is needed, but for them as they continue their lives, and the poor people who have the misfortune to have a relationship with them.

As for those who kill themselves, the Church teaching is:

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. (my emphasis)

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 emphasis)

In order for grave sin to be mortal (and thus send someone to hell) they must have complete freedom to make the decision to sin. Those who kill themselves are not thinking properly. Their capacity for genuine free will decisions is impaired whatever is happening in their lives and by depression as a result. Thus, the doctrine of "diminished responsibility" may apply. We cannot know where the lines are drawn between full culpability and diminished responsibility that sufficient to save a her from hell. But, we know God does know where those lines are draw. As a merciful Father he will not allow his children fall into hell by mistake or because they were emotional impaired and not able to make a proper full consent to the sin.

Praise God that Phoebe is free from her tormentors and pray for her soul. God is merciful.

God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius Mary

For information on how to receive help see our Help page. We suggest that before contacting us directly for help you try the Seven Steps to Self-Deliverance. These self-help steps will often resolve the problem. Also our Spiritual Warfare Prayer Catalog contains many prayers that may be helpful. If needed you can ask for a Personal Consultation.