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Watchtower’s View of Suicide

This article outlines Watchtower’s changing attitude to suicide. Originally kind-hearted, it became destructive and offensive. Current viewpoints are reasonable and in line with generally accepted research into suicidal ideation.

This is part of a series regarding suicide amongst Jehovah’s Witnesses, aiming to make people aware of the risk Watchtower practices and doctrine poses. It includes:

• Watchtower’s View of Suicide
• Research into Suicide amongst members of High Control Religious groups
• Experiences of Suicide and the Jehovah’s Witness Community

Watchtower has described people that die by suicide in the most vitriolic of terms and forgo the likelihood of a resurrection.

“When one commits suicide while in possession of one’s mental faculties, this shows one to be void of morality, lacking faith, having no fear of God. It is a cowardly act … extremely self-centered act of murder ….” Watchtower 1975 Jul 15 pp.447-448

“… it is doubtful that Jehovah would remember such a person in the resurrection.” Watchtower 1954 May 1 p.285

It is appalling for Watchtower to posit that suicide could remove the chance of a resurrection. For decades, the family of suicide victims have been left devastated by these callous comments.

This viewpoint has softened, and the chance of a resurrection hope is now something to “leave in Jehovah’s hands.”

Watchtower, Suicide and a Resurrection

Watchtower has flip-flopped over whether suicide removes the resurrection hope.

Early publications spoke against suicide as a crime, and not pleasing to the Lord, but taught that suicide did not affect hope of a resurrection. A person that died by suicide would be resurrected.

In 1903, suicide was said to be a crime (unless the act was by a "deranged mind") but did not elaborate on the issue of a resurrection. (See Watchtower 1903 Apr 1 reprints p.3176). Likewise, in 1925 the issue of a resurrection was not discussed.

“No one is justified in committing suicide either directly or indirectly; and if one would purposely neglect his physical health with the thought of dying and going to heaven, such would be a foolish course and surely would not be pleasing to the Lord.”



Watchtower 1925 Mar 15 p.91

In 1914 it was written that there may be a resurrection, as the opportunity of everlasting life is for all.

Watchtower 1914 Oct 1 p.302

In 1930, Rutherford wrote a person that dies by suicide will be resurrected, since Acts 24:15 says there is a resurrection of both the "just and unjust".

Golden Age 1930 Sep 17 p.825

Under Knorr, this was changed to resurrection being doubtful.

“So, if anyone who has dedicated his life to Jehovah God sanely takes his life in suicide, or deliberately murders another person, it is doubtful that Jehovah would remember such a person in the resurrection.”



Watchtower 1954 May 1 p.285

This eased up, and doubtful was replaced with terms such as “don’t speculate,” “leave it up to Jehovah” and “might well include.” Such vaguery continues to this day.

“Jehovah decides from reading the suicide’s heart whether he is still susceptible to the provision of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ and whether he will be called out of the memorial tomb by the reigning King, Jesus Christ.” Watchtower 1959 Jul 15 p.448

“Similarly, it is fruitless to speculate on what future a person has who has committed suicide. Only Jehovah and his appointed Judge, Jesus Christ, can say what was in the heart of a person who ended his own life.” Watchtower 1983 Aug 1 p.5

“But since suicide is self-murder, it is a violation of God’s law and an unacceptable option for a Christian. If thoughts of suicide afflict a person, he should not presume upon God’s mercy but should seek help to resist self-destructive urges… Nevertheless, if a person succumbs to suicidal feelings, bereaved ones can take comfort in knowing that their loved one’s future is in the hands of a loving God.” Awake 1991 Jan 8 p.30

“Yet, never forget that Jehovah God raises up the dead and that this might well include our loved ones who because of depression, mental illness, or despair took their own lives.” Awake 2000 Feb 22 pp.6-7

Even in an article critical of theologians who say suicide removes the resurrection hope, Watchtower could not bring itself to say “self-murderers” are assured of a resurrection.

“Thus, Jehovah, having paid “a ransom in exchange for many,” is within his right to extend mercy, even to some self-murderers, by resurrecting them …. As far as the one who rashly took his own life is concerned, we humans cannot judge as to whether he will get a resurrection or not.” Awake 1990 Sep 8 pp. 20,23

It has taken a long time, but Watchtower is now less vague about the chances of a resurrection.

“No, the Bible does not list suicide as an unforgivable sin. … In addition, the Bible says that there will be “a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) This shows that there is hope of a resurrection for people who have made serious mistakes, such as having committed suicide." Bible Questions Answered What Does the Bible Say About Euthanasia? p.135 ijwbq article 135 (as of 3 Aug 2024)

Basis for denying a resurrection

The reasoning behind Watchtower’s classification of suicide as different to other sins is that the sinner does not have the opportunity to repent of their sin.

“Granted, one who takes his own life deprives himself of the opportunity to repent of his self-murder.” Awake 1990 Sep 8 p.23

This reasoning is ridiculous! There are many situations where a person dies without showing repentance, particularly those that die whilst actively engaged in “sin.” Consider:

• overdosing on heroin
• shot dead robbing a convenience store
• dying of a heart-attack whilst committing adultery

In each of these scenarios, there was no “opportunity to repent”, yet they are not brandished as being unworthy of a resurrection.

Repentance is not a requirement for resurrection. Paul explained death, not repentance, provides the acquittal of sin.

“For the one who has died has been acquitted from his sin.” Romans 6:7.

The Bible says death is the payment of sin.

“The wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.”—Romans 6:23

“there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.”—Acts 24:15.

By saying otherwise, Watchtower minimises the value of the ransom.

Questioning the hope of a resurrection violates Scriptural principals and causes undeserved distress upon the family of those that die by suicide.

Watchtower’s comments are a shallow attempt to manipulate people against taking their own lives. It does nothing to assist a person in an emotionally vulnerable state and is an ineffectual threat against those in the pit of despair that precedes taking one’s own life.

Procedural Advice

Watchtower has provided advice to Elders on how to deal with someone who is suicidal.

Since suicide is considered a sin, a person that survives attempted suicide may require being judged by a judicial committee of elders, but this is not usually the case.

“In most cases, a judicial hearing is not required.” “Shepherd the Flock of God” 2024 ed. 12.80

Correspondence Guidelines 2010 ed. cg-E p.27

“Attempted suicide may be the result of deep despair or major depression; deal carefully and compassionately with such a person. In most cases a judicial hearing is not required.” p.92 “Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock” 1991 ed.

Seeking professional help is allowed, as outlined in the Correspondence Guidelines 2007 manual used by the Bethel Service Committee.

Correspondence Guidelines 2010 ed. cg-E pp.76-77

Funerals

The Elder’s Manual leaves the decision of funeral talk up to the elders, whose decision is based on the comfort it may afford grieving relatives.

“Deciding if a funeral for a publisher who committed suicide may be held at the Kingdom Hall. The purpose of the funeral would be to provide comfort for bereaved family members and friends” “Shepherd the Flock of God” 2024 ed 1.23

Correspondence Guidelines 2010 ed. cg-E p.60

Watchtower Help for People with Suicidal ideation

Watchtower has provided helpful articles for those with suicidal ideation, as well as information to assist family members.

As of 3 August 2024, jw.org includes two excellent articles to assist people that may be struggling with suicidal thoughts.

I Want to Die—Can the Bible Help Me When I Have Suicidal Thoughts? ijwbq article 158 (As of 3 August 2024)

YOUNG PEOPLE ASK What if I Don’t Want to Live Anymore? ijwyp article 114

This has not always been the case. Watchtower has attributed suicidal ideation to having no hope or relationship with God. This is naive, as suicide is a problem for Jehovah's Witness despite their religious convictions and hope.

Watchtower 1941 Aug 1 p.228

Watchtower’s primary recommendation for adherents struggling with issues such as self-harm or suicidal ideation is to seek help from Jehovah through prayer.

“The Importance of Prayer … Jehovah knew that in my heart I really wanted to stop cutting,” says Donna. “Once I started praying to him for help, it was amazing. Little by little, I kept getting stronger.” Awake! Feb 2006

Whilst this can assist some people, for others it increases their feelings of guilt and unworthiness if their negative thoughts do not abate despite praying and pleading to Jehovah for help.

The most important advice for anyone contemplating suicide is to seek support and professional help, yet Watchtower was critical of therapists and seeking professional help in the past.

“The basic failure of worldly psychiatrists is that generally they do not look to this true God for wisdom and guidance in treating the emotionally and mentally disturbed. And undoubtedly one of the consequences of their attitude is that they themselves have the highest suicide rate among all those in the medical specialities! … Failing to recognize the sound instruction of God’s Word, psychiatrists seldom apply love in a balanced way. … The general failure of psychiatrists to appreciate God and his teachings on morality has resulted in great harm’s being done.” Awake 1975 Apr 22 pp.17-18

Fortunately, the attitude regarding therapy has changed and Watchtower articles now recommend professional treatment.

Awake 1998 Sep 8 p.8

“Suicidal thoughts may be a symptom of mental or emotional illness. Like physical sickness, this is nothing to be ashamed of. Mental and emotional illnesses can be treated.
Try this: Seek help from a qualified physician as soon as possible.
Footnote * If your suicidal thoughts are intense and loved ones are unavailable, call a local crisis hotline or emergency number.” ijwbq article 158 Bible Questions Answered article at jw.org as of Sep 2024

“See a physician. Suicidal feelings can be a sign of depression—an illness that can be treated.” ijwyp article 114 Young People Ask article at jw.org as of Sep 2024

However, it is important to note that when discussing professional treatment, Watchtower sometimes includes the proviso that the therapist should not conflict with Bible (Watchtower) principals.

"Often, self-injury is a symptom of depression or another disorder. In such cases, medical help may be needed. Awake! does not endorse any particular approach. However, Christians should be sure that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles." When Your Teenager Self-Injures Awake! Aug 2013

“Footnote: Sometimes self-injury is a side effect of another condition, such as depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or an eating disorder. Awake! does not endorse any particular approach to treatment. Christians should make sure that any treatment they pursue does not conflict with Bible principles.” Awake! Feb 2006 p.20

This creates a paradox, since the underlying cause of suicidal thoughts can be depression stemming from being one of Jehovah's Witnesses. This includes guilt from feeling like an unforegiveable sinner (particularly common for Jehovah's Witnesses that are gay), a fear of being shunned, or the fear caused by feeling unworthy of surviving Armageddon. Successful therapy would need to address the harm of Watchtower teachings in these circumstances.

Conclusion

Watchtower has published offensive information and harsh descriptions regarding people that have died by suicide.

“extend mercy, even to some self-murderers” Awake 1990 Sep 8 p.20

“self-destruction in the form of youth suicide” Awake 1998 Sep 8 p.4

A Watchtower article from 1975 is disgraceful.

"One who intentionally takes his own life does so in utter disregard for the sacredness of life; he becomes bloodguilty. When one commits suicide while in possession of one’s mental faculties, this shows one to be void of morality, lacking faith, having no fear of God. It is a cowardly act, where one refuses to face up to the problems and responsibilities of life. If the person claimed to be a true Christian, the act would violently break his relationship with Jehovah. Suicide may be the giving in to pressures from demons who encourage self-destruction. (Matt. 17:14-18) This extremely self-centered act of murder manifests no love for one’s surviving family members, no love for one’s congregation and friends, and no love even for the surrounding community, as it brings shame and distress of mind upon all associates.— Watchtower 1975 Jul 15 pp.447-448

Within a single paragraph, Watchtower described some that takes their own life as bloodguilty, void of morality, lacking faith, cowardly, demonised, and a self-centered murderer. No one should have to hear themselves or their loved ones described in such ways. How can Jehovah’s Witnesses possibly think the Governing Body have any guidance from Jehovah, when they have authorised such vile descriptions?

Thankfully, Watchtower now refers to suicide more reasonably, acknowledging the extenuating circumstances that lead a person to taking their own life, and providing helpful advice on addressing suicidal ideation.

However, to this day, Watchtower continues to say Jehovah “might” resurrect someone that dies by suicide, thus indicating they may not get a resurrection. It is deplorable that Watchtower continues to consider those that suffer so deeply as to take their own lives as less worthy of a resurrection when the Bible says that Jesus died for all people.

Written August 2024, latest update Sseptember 2024.

   Paul Grundy  2005 - 2024